Two-stage converter using low permeability magnetics

ABSTRACT

The use of low permeability magnetic material (NSME) with the disclosed design strategies form a two-stage isolated output converter system with the distinct advantages of superior density, efficiency, thermal operating bandwidth, service life, transient survival, and form factor flexibility over the prior art. These improvements are realized by, optimized application of NSME, efficient rectifying flyback management techniques, inclusion of switching buffers that substantially reduce switching losses. The instant invention provides power factor correction, output regulation, inrush limiting, over voltage, over current, over temperature, and transient protection, multi-converter load sharing, hot swapability, and fault signals.  
     The disclosed system is designed, specified, and certified to function from −40 deg. C. to +65 deg. C. from a 180 vac to 264 vac 50/60 Hz input line and supports 1000 watts of output or 600 watts from 90 vac to 120 vac 50/60 Hz line input at greater then 0.95 power factor and features a packaged power density of 14 watts per cu. in. at high line.

CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATION

[0001] This application incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,025 issued Aug. 7, 2001.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to high wattage multi stage isolated output AC/DC power factor corrected converters and power supplies utilizing electrical, mechanical, and packaging design innovations that compliment the use of individual or distributed NSME resulting in efficient operation, high wattage density, rugged transient protection, no thermal derating, fan-less thermal transfer, and long service life.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are several basic single or combination topologies commonly used to implement switching converters.

[0004] One of the topologies is the push-pull converter. The output signal is derived from the output of an IC network that switches the transistors alternately “on” and “off”.

[0005] High frequency square waves on the transistor output drive the magnetic element into AC (alternating current) bias. The isolated secondary outputs a wave that is rectified to produce DC (direct current). Push-pull converters generally have more components as compared to other topologies. The push-pull approach makes efficient use of the magnetic element by producing AC bias, but suffers from high parts count, thermal derating, oversized magnetics, and elaborate core reset schemes.

[0006] The destructive fly-back voltages occurring across the switches are controlled through the use of dissipative snubber networks positioned across the primary switches. Another of the topologies is the forward converter. When the primary of the forward converter is energized, energy is immediately transferred to the secondary winding. In addition to the aforementioned issues the forward converter suffers from inefficient (dc bias) use of the magnetic element. The prior art power supplies generally use high permeability gapped ferrite magnetic elements. These are well known in the art and are widely used. The magnetics of the prior art power supplies are generally designed for twice the required power rating and require complex methods to reset and cool the magnetic elements resulting in increased installed costs, size, complexity and limited operating temperatures. This is because high permeability magnetic elements saturate during operation producing heat in the core, which increases permeability and lowers the saturation threshold. This produces runaway heating, current spikes and/or large leakage currents in the air gap, reduced efficiency, and ultimately less power at higher temperatures and/or high load. The overall effects are, lower efficiency, lower power density, and forced air/heatsink dependant supplies that require over-rated ferrite magnetic elements for a given output over time, temperature, and loading.

IMPROVEMENTS

[0007] The combined improvements of the invention translate to higher system efficiencies, higher power densities, lower operating temperatures, and, improved thermal tolerance thereby reducing or eliminating the need for forced air cooling per unit output. The non-saturating magnetic properties are relatively insensitive to temperature (see FIG. 17), thus allowing the converter to operate over a greater temperature range. In practice, the operating temperature for the NSME is limited to 200C by wire/core insulation; the non-saturating magnetic material remains operable to near its Curie temperature of 500C.

[0008] What are needed are converters having circuit strategies that make advantageous use of individual and distributed NSME.

[0009] What are needed are two stage power factor corrected converters that regulate a constant frequency constant duty cycle isolated output stage from the non-isolated input stage.

[0010] What are needed are converters that are electrically, mechanically, and physically optimized to provide superior density, efficiency, longevity and manufacturability using NSME's.

[0011] What are needed are converters that incorporate efficient silicon carbide diode flyback management techniques to rectify excessive leading edge node voltages across output diodes.

[0012] What are needed are converters having buffer circuits that provide fast, low impedance critically damped switching of the main FETs.

[0013] What are needed are converters that meet or exceed class B conducted EMI and other applicable certification requirements.

[0014] What are needed are high MTBF converters tolerant of line transients and harsh thermal environments.

[0015] The present invention addresses these and more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The main aspect of the present invention is to implement a two stage high wattage, density, and efficiency isolated output converter having circuit strategies that make advantageous use of individual and distributed NSME for the achievement of the key performance enhancements disclosed herein.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a converter design that utilizes a FET drive technique consisting of an ultra fast, low RDS on N-channel FET for charging the main FET gate and an ultra fast P-channel transistor for discharging the main FET gate.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide converters that incorporate output additive silicon carbide diode flyback management techniques to rectify excessive node voltages across output diodes.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a converter having core (flux) synchronized zero crossing frequency modulation.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a high power factor to the AC line.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide protection from high voltage (input line) transients.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is to combine low permeability magnetics advantageously with the other electrical, mechanical, and packaging aspects.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is the combination of a power factor correcting NSME regulator stage with a constant frequency constant duty cycle NSME isolation stage.

[0024] Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIGS. 1 and 1A is a schematic diagram of a two-stage power factor corrected AC to DC isolated output converter embodiment of the invention.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a single stage DC to AC converter embodiment with isolated output sub-circuit DCAC1.

[0027]FIGS. 3 and 3A is a schematic diagram of a three stage AC to DC isolated output converter embodiment of the invention.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a power factor corrected single stage AC to DC converter sub-circuit ACDFPF.

[0029]FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an alternate power factor controller with load sharing converter sub-circuit ACDFPF1.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a graph comparing typical winding currents in saturating and non-saturating magnetics of equal inductance.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a schematic for a non-isolated low side switch buck converter sub-circuit NILBK.

[0032]FIG. 7 is the schematic for a tank coupled single stage converter sub-circuit TCSSC.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a schematic for a tank coupled totem pole converter sub-circuit TCTP.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a block diagram for a single stage non-isolated DC to DC boost converter NILSBST.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a schematic for a two stage isolated DC to DC boost controlled push-pull converter BSTPP.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a graph of permeability as a function of temperature for typical prior art magnetic element material.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a graph of flux density as a function of temperature for typical prior art magnetic element material.

[0038]FIG. 12A is a graph of magnetic element losses for various flux densities and operating frequencies typical of prior art magnetic element material.

[0039]FIG. 13 is a graph showing standard switching losses.

[0040]FIG. 14 is a graph showing lower switching losses of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 15 is a graph showing the magnetizing curve (BH) for the NSME material.

[0042]FIG. 15A is a graph of the magnetization curves for H Material.

[0043]FIG. 16 is a graph of magnetic element losses for various flux densities and operating frequencies of the NSME material.

[0044]FIG. 17 is a graph of permeability as a function of temperature for the NSME.

[0045]FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the boost NSME sub-circuit PFT1.

[0046]FIG. 18A is a schematic representation of the NSME sub-circuit PFT1A.

[0047]FIG. 18B is a schematic representation of the non-saturating two terminal NSME sub-circuit BL1.

[0048]FIG. 18C is a schematic diagram of the NSME implemented as distributed magnetic assembly PFT1D.

[0049]FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the push-pull NSME sub-circuit PPT1.

[0050]FIG. 19A is a schematic representation of the alternate push-pull NSME sub-circuit PPT1A.

[0051]FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the NSME input transient protection and line filter sub-circuit LL.

[0052]FIG. 20A is a schematic showing an alternate line filter LF.

[0053]FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the alternate NSME input transient protection and line filter sub-circuit LLA.

[0054]FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the AC line rectifier sub-circuit BR.

[0055]FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the power factor controller sub-circuit PFA.

[0056]FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the alternate power factor correcting boost control element sub-circuit PFB.

[0057]FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the output rectifier and filter sub-circuit OUTA.

[0058]FIG. 25A is a schematic diagram of an alternate rectifier sub-circuit OUTB.

[0059]FIG. 25B is a schematic diagram of an alternate final output rectifier and filter sub-circuit OUTBB.

[0060]FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of the floating 18_Volt DC control power sub-circuit CP.

[0061]FIG. 26A is a schematic diagram of and alternate 18_Volt DC control power sub-circuit CP1.

[0062]FIG. 26B is a plot of VCC control voltage as a function of output power in watts during operation of sub-circuit ACDCPF1 (FIG. 4A).

[0063]FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of the alternate floating 18_Volt DC push-pull control power sub-circuit CPA.

[0064]FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the over temperature protection sub-circuit OTP.

[0065]FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the high-speed low impedance buffer sub-circuit AMP, AMP1, AMP2 and AMP3.

[0066]FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the main switch snubber sub-circuit SN.

[0067]FIG. 30A is a schematic diagram of the main switch rectifying diode snubber sub-circuit DSN.

[0068]FIG. 30B is a schematic diagram of the main switch snubber sub-circuit SNBB.

[0069]FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of the alternate snubber sub-circuit SNA.

[0070]FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of the mirror snubber sub-circuit SNB.

[0071]FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of the pulse-width/Frequency modulator sub-circuit PWFM.

[0072]FIG. 34 is an oscillograph of node voltages measured during operation of sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33).

[0073]FIG. 35 is an oscillograph of the primary tank voltage measured during operation of sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8).

[0074]FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of the non-isolated 18-Volt DC control power sub-circuit REG.

[0075]FIG. 37 is a schematic for a non-isolated high-side switch buck converter sub-circuit HSBK.

[0076]FIG. 38 is a schematic for the low-side buck regulated two-stage converter embodiment with isolated push-pull output sub-circuit LSBKPP.

[0077]FIG. 39 is a schematic for an alternate isolated two-stage low-side switch buck converter sub-circuit LSBKPPBR.

[0078]FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram of the over voltage feed back sub-circuit IPFFB.

[0079]FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram of the non-isolated boost output voltage feedback sub-circuit FBA.

[0080]FIG. 40B is a schematic diagram of the isolated output voltage feedback sub-circuit IFB.

[0081]FIG. 40C is a schematic diagram of the alternate isolated over voltage feedback sub-circuit IOVFB.

[0082]FIG. 40D is a schematic diagram of and alternate the non-isolated boost output voltage feed back sub-circuit FBD.

[0083]FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of the non-isolated output voltage feedback sub-circuit FBI.

[0084]FIG. 41A is a schematic diagram of an alternate non-isolated feedback sub-circuit FB2.

[0085]FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of an over voltage protection sub-circuit OVP.

[0086]FIG. 42A is a schematic diagram of the isolated over voltage feedback sub-circuit OVP1.

[0087]FIG. 42B is a schematic diagram of the over voltage protection sub-circuit OVP2.

[0088]FIG. 42C is a schematic diagram of the isolated over voltage feedback sub-circuit OVP3.

[0089]FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of the Push-pull oscillator sub-circuit PPG.

[0090]FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of the soft start/inrush current limit sub-circuit SS1.

[0091]FIG. 44A is an oscillograph of line current and output voltage during operation of sub-circuit SS1 (FIG. 44).

[0092]FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of the fast start sub-circuit FS1.

[0093]FIG. 45A is an oscillograph of sub-circuit FS1 during operation of sub-circuit SS1 (FIG. 44).

[0094]FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of an alternate transient protection sub-circuit TRN.

[0095]FIG. 46A is a schematic diagram of an alternate transient protection sub-circuit for external application TRNX.

[0096]FIG. 46B is an oscillograph of the converter operation during a high voltage transient event.

[0097]FIG. 47 is a signal flow diagram teaching the load sharing system.

[0098]FIG. 47A is an alternate signal flow diagram teaching the load sharing system.

[0099]FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the ITMS (integrated thermal management system).

[0100]FIG. 49 is a isometric view of the thermally conductive block 4900.

[0101]FIG. 50 is a detailed view of high performance, multiple pin, high-current terminals.

[0102]FIG. 51 is another example of how a metal cup and thermally conductive material is used to remove heat from a magnetic element.

[0103]FIG. 52 is the top view of the alignment header 5200

[0104]FIG. 53 is a detailed view of thermal compression spring clip 5300.

[0105]FIG. 54 is a detailed view of the thermal compression clamp 5400.

[0106]FIGS. 55 and 55A is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment two-stage power factor corrected AC to DC isolated output converter of the invention.

[0107]FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment non-isolated power factor corrected AC to DC converter of the invention.

[0108]FIG. 57 is the schematic of the preferred embodiment inter-stage inrush limit sub-circuit ISIR.

[0109]FIG. 58 is the schematic of the preferred embodiment of the output controller sub-circuit OUTC.

[0110]FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment AC inrush limiter sub-circuit ACIR of the invention.

[0111]FIG. 60 is the schematic of the preferred embodiment of the sub-circuit ACOKC.

[0112]FIG. 61 is a schematic representation of the boost NSME sub-circuit PFT2.

[0113]FIG. 62 is a schematic diagram of the improved NSME input transient protection and line filter sub-circuit LFB.

[0114]FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment power factor correcting boost controller of the isolated two-stage converter sub-circuit PFC.

[0115]FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment power factor correcting boost control sub-circuit PFD.

[0116]FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment three output isolated DC control power sub-circuit CP3.

[0117]FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment DC control sub-circuit CP2.

[0118]FIG. 67 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment silicon carbide diode snubber sub-circuit SCIN of the invention.

[0119]FIG. 68 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment non-isolated boost output voltage feed back sub-circuit VFBI.

[0120]FIG. 69 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment push-pull oscillator sub-circuit PPGA.

[0121]FIG. 70 is a schematic diagram of the main switch snubber sub-circuit SNDD.

[0122] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that: The invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown or described, since the invention is capable of other embodiments.

[0123] The expression “distributed magnetic(s)” refers to the configuration of multiple magnetic elements that share a single series coupled primary winding to induce isolated output currents from multiple series or parallel secondary windings.

[0124] Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description not limitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0125] In this and other descriptions contained herein, the following symbols shall have the meanings attributed to them: “+” shall indicate a series connection, such as resistor A in series with resistor B shown as “A+B”. “∥” Shall indicate a parallel connection, such as resistor A in parallel with resistor B shown as “A∥B”.

[0126]FIGS. 55 and 55A is a schematic diagram of the preferred two stage power factor corrected AC to DC converter. The invention is comprised of line protection filter sub-circuit LFB (FIG. 62) and ac line monitor sub-circuit ACOKC (FIG. 60). A power factor corrected regulated boost stage with sub-circuits PFC (FIG. 63), snubber sub-circuit SCIN (FIG. 67), snubber sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B), magnetic element sub-circuit PFT2 (FIG. 61), Bias supply sub-circuit CP3 (FIG. 65), buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), AC inrush limit sub-circuit ACIR (FIG. 59), voltage feedback sub-circuit VFBI (FIG. 68). Filter capacitor C1, PFC capacitor C2, flyback diode D4, switch transistor Q1, hold up capacitors C17 and C16, and resistor R17. An efficient push-pull isolation stage with inrush limit sub-circuits ISIR (FIG. 57), PPGA (FIG. 69), AMP1 (FIG. 29), AMP2 (FIG. 29), and snubber SNDD (FIG. 70), resistor Rload, transistors Q6 and Q9, magnetic element PPT1 (FIG. 19), rectifier OUTA (FIG. 25) and output controller OUTC (FIG. 58). FIG. 55-55A Table Element Value/part number C1 0.01 uf C2 1.8 uf R2 100k ohms D4 8 A, 600 V D460 MR760 Q1 IRFP 460 C17 680 uf C16 680 uf R17 375k ohms Q6 FS 14SM-18 A Q9 FS 14SM-18 A

[0127] In the two-stage converter the primary side voltage to the second push-pull output stage is modulated by the power factor corrected input (boost) stage. Each stage can comprise of individual and distributed NSME. A graph of B-H hysterisis for the non-saturating magnetics is set forth in FIG. 15. Although the following description is in terms of particular converter topologies, i.e., flyback controlled primary and constant duty cycle push pull secondary, number of outputs, the style, and arrangement of the several topologies are offered by way of example, not limitation. In addition non-saturating magnetics BL1, PFT2, and PPT1 may be implemented as distributed NSME. As an example PFT2 is shown as a distributed magnetic PFT1A (FIG. 61). Distributed magnetics enable advantageous high voltage converter design variations that support form factor flexibility and multiple parallel secondary outputs from series coupled voltage divided primary windings across multiple NSME. The positive of the hold-up capacitor(s) [C17∥C16] is connected and inrush and shut down sub-circuit IRIR. This allows the power from the forward converter to be applied in a controlled way to the push pull converter. In this way temporary overload, over temperature faults may be recovered from and normal operation may resume after the fault is removed. This eliminates chance of damaging Q6 and Q9 during after recovering from a fault. AC line L2 is connected through inrush limit sub-circuit ACIR (FIG. 59) to improved line filter sub-circuit LFB (FIG. 62). AC/earth ground is connected to node LLO. The filtered and rectified voltage appears on node B+ the return line to BR−. The positive haversine appearing on node B+ of sub-circuit LFB connects to sub-circuit CP3 pin B+, sub-circuit PFT2 pin P1B, sub-circuit SNBB pin SNL1 and first side of capacitor C2. The raw haversine appearing on node BR+ connects to anode of series transient diode D460 to node PF+. During normal operation transient protection diode D460 is reverse biased due to the action of the boost. With the application of a high voltage event HV1 (FIG. 46B) of any polarity to the AC line, the rectified event appears on node BR+, also shown in oscillograph G463 (FIG. 46B). If the transient voltage exceeds the storage capacitor voltage at C16, C17 (FIG. 55) or C417 (FIG. 56), D460 is forward biased transferring the energy to storage capacitor. Common art transient methods shunt the energy into spark gaps or MOV type devices. These devices suffer from limited life cycles, excessive leakage currents or a catastrophic failure. With proper component selection very large transients may be absorbed without exceeding device ratings. Thus insuring high reliability with minimal parts counts and cost. The instant invention is adaptable to other offline converters having a storage capacitor maintained (boosted) above the rectified peak line voltage. This topology will work with positive or negative reference converters. Output node VCC1 of CP3 connects to pins PFA+ of sub-circuit PFC (FIG. 63), pin VCC1 of sub-circuit ACOKC (FIG. 60) and gate buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA+. Bias supply CP3 provides start control power to the system. Node S1L from PFT2 is connected to node PFVC of sub-circuit PFC. The zero crossings of the core are sensed when the voltage at S1L is 0-volts. The core zero crossings are used to reset PFC and start a new cycle. The positive node of the DC side of bridge B+ is connected through capacitor C2 to BR−. Capacitor C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor while reducing line harmonics and EMI. Primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT2 (FIG. 61) pins P1A connects to pin SNL2 of snubber sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B to sub-circuit SCIN pin SNL2 and connects drain of Q1. The return line for the rectified AC power BR− is connected to the following pins; BR−of sub-circuit ACOKC, sub-circuit PFC pin BR−, sub-circuit AMP, AMP1 and AMP2 pin GA0, output switch Q1 source, capacitor C2, sub-circuit CP3 pin BR−, sub-circuit PFT2 pin S1H, PPGA (FIG. 69), capacitor [C16∥C17∥resistor R17], transistor Q6 source, transistor and Q9 source. The drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit SCIN pin SNL2, sub-circuit PFT2 pin P1A and sub-circuit SNBB pin SNL2. Snubber networks SNBB and SCIN reduce the high voltage stress to Q1 and recover fly back energy. The improved zero hold flyback diode SCIN improves converter efficiency approx 0.3% by recovering more flyback energy than D4 alone. Line coupled, power factor corrected boost regulated output voltage of the AC to DC converter stage appears on node PF+. The regulated boost output PF+ connects to the following; sub-circuit SNBB pin SNOUT, sub-circuit SCIN pin SNOUT, cathode of transient diode D460 and diode D4 cathode. Node PF+ also connects on FIG. 55A to capacitors [C16∥C17∥R17], sub-circuit VFBI (FIG. 68) pin PF+ and to input of sub-circuit ISIR (FIG. 57) pin PF+. Sub-circuit ISIR pin PPIN connects to sub-circuit PPT1 (FIG. 19) pin P2CT, snubber sub-circuit SNDD (FIG. 70) pin SNA3, and second snubber SNDD pin SNA3 and input of sub-circuit CP3 pin PPIN. Bias supply CP3 pin OUTS− is connected to ISIR pin OUTS− and OUTC pin OUTS−. Bias supply CP3 pin VCC3 is connected to OUTC pin VCC3. Bias supply CP3 pin VCC2 is connected to ISIR pin VCC2, buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA+, buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA+ and sub-circuit PPGA pin PPG+. Sub-circuit PFC using the AC line phase, load voltage, and magnetic element feedback, generates a command pulse PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFC (FIG. 63) is connected to the input of buffer amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP1. Buffered high-speed gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of switch FET Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 ON and OFF times greatly reducing switch losses (see FIGS. 13 & 14). In the event of an over temperature condition (the case of Q1 reaches approximately 105C) TS5728 (FIG.57) opens removing power to node PPIN output stage safely shutting down the push pull stage. Normal operation resumes after the switch temperature drops 20-30 deg. C. closing TS5728. Voltage feed back sub-circuit VFIB pin PF1 is connected to sub-circuit PFC pin PF1. AC monitoring sub-circuit ACOKC Pin ACOK is connected to sub-circuit PFC pin ACOK. In the event of a low line voltage condition ACOK is set low stopping the boost action of PFC. Constant frequency/duty-cycle non-overlapping two-phase generator sub-circuit PPGA (FIG. 69) generates the drive for the push-pull output stage. Phase one output pin PHI is connected to sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA1, second phase output pin PH2 is connected to sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA1. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q6. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q9. The buffering currents from AMP1 and AMP2 provide fast, low impedance critically damped switching to Q6 and Q9 greatly reducing ON-OFF transition time and switching losses. Drain of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNDD pin SNA1 and to non-saturating center tapped primary magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2H. Drain of transistor Q9 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNDD (FIG. 70) pin SNA1 and sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2L. Isolated output of NSME sub-circuit PPT1 pin SH connects to Pin C7B of rectifier sub-circuit OUTA (FIG. 25), pin SL connects to sub-circuit OUTA C8B. Center tap of PPT1 pin SCT is the output return or negative node OUT− it connects to sub-circuit OUTA pin OUT− and output controller sub-circuit OUTC (FIG. 58) pin OUT−. Converter positive output from sub-circuit OUTA pin OUT+ is connected to RLOAD and sub-circuit OUTC pin OUT+. Second side of RLOAD connects to sub-circuit OUTC pin OUTS−. Magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 provides galvanic isolation and minimal voltage overshoot and ripple in the secondary thus minimizing filtering requirements of the rectifier sub-circuit OUTA. Sub-circuit VFBI provides high-speed feedback to the AC DC converter, the speed of the boost stage provides precise output voltage regulation and active ripple rejection. Output control OUTC also protects the load and converter during under and over voltage or current faults. This configuration provides power factor corrected input transient protection, rapid line-load response, excellent regulation, isolated output and quiet efficient operation at high temperatures.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

[0128]FIG. 66 is a schematic diagram of auto load leveling power factor corrected converter ACDCPF2. The invention is comprised of line filter sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A), transient diode D460, power factor corrected regulated boost stage with sub-circuits PFD (FIG. 64), zero delay flyback diode sub-circuit SCIN (FIG. 67), or snubber sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B), magnetic element sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A), sub-circuit CP2 (FIG. 66), buffer circuit AMP (FIG. 29), over temperature sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28), and voltage feedback sub-circuit FBD (FIG. 68), Start resistor R2 PFC capacitor C2, switch transistor Q1 and hold up capacitor C417. Table Value/part Element number C2 1.8 uf Q1 ATP5020BVR D460 MR 760 C417 330 uf R345 1 MEG ohms R2 100K ohm

[0129] AC line is connected to sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A) between nodes LL1 and LL2. AC/earth ground is connected to node LLO. The filtered and rectified AC line appears on pin BR+ of sub-circuit LF connects to anode of transient diode D460. Cathode of diode D460 connects to node PF+ and main storage capacitor C417. The line voltage is full-wave rectified converted to a positive haversine appearing on node B+ of sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A). Node B+ of filter sub-circuit LF is connected to input pin BR+ of PFD (FIG. 64), positive of capacitor C2, pin PB1 of sub-circuit PFT1A pin B+. Capacitor C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor and EMI. Node PFA+ of CP2 connects to pin PFA+ of power factor controller sub-circuit PFD (FIG. 64), pin GAP of over temperature sub-circuit OTP(FIG. 28) and start resistor R2. Start resistor R2 provides start up power until the converter is at full power. It also provides restart in the event of an extended loss of boost. Node S1H from PFT1A is connected to node PFVC of sub-circuit PFD and to node CT1A of sub-circuit CP2. The zero crossing of the core bias are sensed when the voltage at SH1 is zero. The core zero crossings are used to reset U2413 (FIG. 64) and start a new cycle. Primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A) pin P1A connects to pin SNL2 of snubber sub-circuits SNBB (FIG. 30B) or SCIN (FIG. 67) and drain of Q1. Sub-circuit PFD pin BR+ connects to node B+. Return line for the rectified AC power BR− is connected to the following pins; BR− of sub-circuit LF, sub-circuit PFD pin BR−, sub-circuit AMP pin GAO, sub-circuit CP2 pin BR−, source of output switch Q1, second side of capacitors C417 and C2. Drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit PFT1A pin P1A and snubber sub-circuits SNBB and SCIN pin SNL2. Switch protection is achieved by adding sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B) or SCIN (FIG. 67) in parallel flyback diode D4. Sub-circuit SNBB and SCIN reduce the high voltage stresses to Q1 until flyback diode D4 begins conduction. Regulated output voltage of the converter appears on node PF+. The regulated boost output PF+ connects to the following; sub-circuit SNBB and SCIN pin SNOUT, diode D460 cathode, capacitor C417, and diode D4 cathode. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP2 pin CT2A. During normal operation transient protection diode D460 is reverse biased due to the action of the boost. With the application of a high voltage event HV1 of any polarity to the AC line, the rectified event appears on node BR+, also shown in oscillograph G463 (FIG. 46B). If the transient voltage exceeds the storage capacitor voltage at C17 (FIG. 55) or C417 (FIG. 56), D460 is forward biased transferring the energy to storage capacitor. Common art transient methods shunt the energy into spark gaps or MOV type devices. These devices suffer from limited life cycles, excessive leakage currents or a catastrophic failure. With proper component selection very large transients may be absorbed without exceeding device ratings. Thus insuring high reliability with minimal parts counts and cost. The instant invention is adaptable to other offline converters having a storage capacitor maintained (boosted) above the rectified peak line voltage. This topology will work with positive or negative reference converters. Magnetic element winding node S1CT of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP2 pin CT0. Sub-circuit PFD using the phase of the AC line, and load voltage generates a command pulse PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFD is connected to the input of buffer amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP1 (FIG. 29). Buffered high-speed gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of main switch Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 “ON” and “OFF” times greatly reducing switch losses. Over temp sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28) pin TS+ is connected to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+. Thermal switch THS1 (FIG. 28) is thermally connected to Q1. In the event Q1 reaches approximately 105C THS1 opens removing power to sub-circuit AMP, safely shutting down boost operation. Normal operation resumes after the switch temperature drops 20-30C closing THS1. Sub-circuit feedback network FBD (FIG. 40D) pin PF1 is connected to sub-circuit PFD pin PF1. This feedback is non-isolated; network values are selected for a substantially constant 385-Volt output at PF+ relative to BR−. The high-voltage haversine from the rectifier section pin B+ is connected to sub-circuit PFD pin BR+ is used to make the converter ACDCPF2 appear resistive to the AC line. The regulated high voltage output of this converter may be used use with one or more external converters connected in parallel. A unique feature of the converter ACDCPF2 is the automatic load-sharing feature. Where the output of ACDCPF2 varies as a function of load as shown in FIG. 66. Load leveling resistor connected between nodes VCC and PF1 regulates the output voltage lower as the load/boost increases. This unique action allows units to be operated in parallel without the typical master slave connections. In this way the lightly loaded converter will increase it's output voltage thus accepting more load. Like wise the heavy loaded converter will reduce voltage, automatically shedding load to parallel converters. In this way any number of converters may be connected in parallel for high power or redundant applications. In the prior art master/slave configuration, loss of the master unit is catastrophic. In the instant invention failure or removal of a unit causes the remaining unit/units to assume the additional load. The NSME sub-circuit PPT1A2 provides efficient boost action at high power levels in a very small form factor. Inrush limiter sub-circuit ISIR (FIG. 57) provides a ramp voltage to primary winding PPT1 (FIG. 19) of ouput stage (FIG. 55A) during start up and/or fault recovery. Additionally, sub-circuit ISIR functions as a second output interupt as taught in these specifications. The unique magnetic features allow full power operation at temperature ranges were common art converters cannot. Providing high power factor, transient protection, low inrush currents, excellent regulation, automatic recovery from fault conditions and quiet efficient operation at temperature extremes.

[0130]FIGS. 1 and 1A is a schematic diagram of a two stage power factor corrected AC to DC converter. The invention is comprised of line protection filter sub-circuit LL (FIG. 20) and full-wave rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). A power factor corrected regulated boost stage with sub-circuits PFA2 (FIG. 23), snubber sub-circuit SN (FIG. 30), magnetic element sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18), sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), over temperature sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28), over voltage feedback sub-circuit IPFFB (FIG. 40) and voltage feedback sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B). Start up resistor R2, filter capacitor C1, PFC capacitor C2, flyback diode D4, switch transistor Q1, hold up capacitors C17 and C16, and resistor R17. An efficient push-pull isolation stage with sub-circuits CPA (FIG. 27), PPG (FIG. 43), AMP1 (FIG. 29), AMP2 (FIG. 29), snubber sub-circuits SNB (FIG. 32) and SNA (FIG. 31), resistor Rload, transistors Q6 and Q9, magnetic element PPT1 (FIG. 19), and OUTA (FIG. 25). Table Value/part Element number C1 0.01 uf C2 1.8 uf R2 100k ohms D4 8 A, 600 V Q1 IRFP 460 C17 100 uf C16 100 uf R17 375k ohms Q6 FS 14SM-18 A Q9 FS 14SM-18 A

[0131] In the two-stage converter the primary side voltage to the second push-pull output stage is modulated by the power factor corrected input (boost) stage. Each stage can comprise of individual and distributed NSME. A graph of B-H hysteresis for the non-saturating magnetics is set forth in FIG. 15. Although the following description is in terms of particular converter topologies, i.e., flyback controlled primary and constant duty cycle push pull secondary, number of outputs, the style, and arrangement of the several topologies are offered by way of example, not limitation. In addition non-saturating magnetics BL1, PFT1, and PPT1 may be implemented as distributed NSME. As an example PFT1 is shown as a distributed magnetic PFT1A (FIG. 18C). Distributed magnetics enable advantageous high voltage converter design variations that support form factor flexibility and multiple parallel secondary outputs from series coupled voltage divided primary windings across multiple NSME. The negative of the hold-up capacitor(s) [C17∥C16] is connected to boost output PF+. This allows the rectified line voltage to be excluded from the boost voltage in the hold-up capacitor(s). This, in turn, allows direct regulation of the push-pull stage from the boost stage. This eliminates the typical PWM control of the oversized thermally derated transformer and many sub-circuit components from the known art. AC line is connected to sub-circuit LL (FIG. 20) between pins LL1 and LL2. AC/earth ground is connected to node LL0. The filtered and voltage limited AC line appears on node/pin LL5 of sub-circuit LL and connected to node BR1 of bridge rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). The neutral/AC return leg of the filtered and voltage limited AC appears on pin LL6 of sub-circuit LL is connected to input pin BR2 of BR. The line voltage is full-wave rectified and is converted to a positive haversine appearing on node BR+ of sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). Start up resistor R2 connects BR+ to sub-circuit CP pin CP+. Node CP+ connects to pins PFA+ of control element sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23) and over temperature switch sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28) pin GAP. Resistor R2 provides start up power to the control element until the rectifier/regulator CP is at full output. Node S1H from PFT1 is connected to node PFVC of sub-circuit PFA. The zero crossings of the core are sensed when the voltage at S1H is at zero. The core zero crossings are used to reset the PFC and start a new cycle. The positive node of the DC side of bridge BR+ is connected through capacitor C2 to BR−. C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor while reducing line harmonics and EMI. Primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18) pins P1B and S2CT connects to pin SNL1 of snubber sub-circuit SN (FIG. 30), to sub-circuit BR pin BR+ and connects to pin BR+ (FIG. 1A). The return line for the rectified AC power BR− is connected to the following pins: BR− of sub-circuit BR, PFA pin BR−, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, output switch Q1 source, capacitor C2, sub-circuit CP pin CT0 sub-circuit PFT1 pin S1CT and CT20 through EMI filter capacitor C1 to earth ground node LL0. Pin BR+ from FIG. 1 is connected to FIG. 1A sub-circuits CPA pin SN pin SNL1, sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1B, and sub-circuit PFT1 pin S2CT. Pin BR+ continues to FIG. 1A connecting to sub-circuit CPA pin CT20, PPG (FIG. 43) pin PPG0, sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA0, sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA0, sub-circuit IPFFB pin PF−, Capacitor [C16∥C17∥ resistor R17], transistor Q6 source, transistor Q9 source, sub-circuit SNA pin SNA2 and sub-circuit SNB pin SNB2. The drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit SN pin SNL2, and sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1A and sub-circuit SN pin SNL2. Snubber network SN reduces the high voltage stress to Q1 until flyback diode D4 begins conduction. Line coupled, power factor corrected boost regulated output voltage of the AC to DC converter stage (FIG. 1) appears on node PF+. Additional efficiency of approxamatly 0.2% is realized by connecting sub-circuit DSN (FIG. 30A) in parallel with D4. The regulated boost output PF+ connects to the following: sub-circuit SN pin SNOUT, sub-circuit DSN pin SNOUT and diode D4 cathode. Node PF+ also connects on FIG. 1A to capacitors [C16∥C17∥R17], sub-circuit IPFFB (FIG. 40) pin PF+, sub-circuit PPT1 (FIG. 19) pin P2CT, snubber sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNA3, and snubber SNB (FIG. 32) pin SNB3. Magnetic element winding pin S1H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT1A and pin PFVC of sub-circuit PFA. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT2A. Magnetic element winding node S2H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to pin 10 FIG. 1A then to CPA pin CT1B. Magnetic element winding node S2L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to pin 12 FIG. 1A then to CPA pin CT2B. Sub-circuit PFA using the AC line phase, load voltage, and magnetic element feedback, generates a command pulse PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23) is connected to the input of buffer amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). Buffered high-speed gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of switch FET Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 ON and OFF times greatly reducing switch losses (see FIGS. 13 & 14). Power to sub-circuit AMP is connected to pin GA+ from sub-circuit OTP pin TS+. Thermal switch THS1 is connected to Q1. In the event the case of Q1 reaches approximately 105C THS1 opens removing power to sub-circuit AMP, safely shutting down the first (input) stage. Normal operation resumes after the switch temperature drops 20-30 C closing THS1. Drain of output switch Q1 is connected to primary winding pin P1A of non-saturating magnetic sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18) and to pin SNL2 of snubber sub-circuit SN (FIG. 30) Reference voltage from PFC sub-circuit PFA pin PFA2 is connected to feedback networks sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBC and to sub-circuit IFB pin FBC. Feedback current is summed at node PF1 of sub-circuit PFA. Pin PF1 is connected to feed back networks sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBE and to sub-circuit IFB pin FBE. Constant frequency/duty-cycle non-overlapping two-phase generator sub-circuit PPG (FIG. 43) generates the drive for the push-pull output stage. Phase one output pin PH1 is connected to sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA1, second phase output pin PH2 is connected to sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA1. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q6. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q9. The buffering currents from AMP1 and AMP2 provide fast, low impedance critically damped switching to Q6 and Q9 greatly reducing ON-OFF transition time and switching losses. Regulated 18-volt power from sub-circuit CPA (FIG. 1A) pin CP2+ is connected to amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA+, amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA+ and sub-circuit PPG pin PPG+. Drain of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNB pin SNB1 and to non-saturating center tapped primary magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2H. Drain of transistor Q9 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNAL and sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2L. Source of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNB pin SNB2, transistor Q9 source, sub-circuit SNA pin SNA2 and to return node BR+. Isolated output of NSME sub-circuit PPT1 pin SH connects to Pin C7B of rectifier sub-circuit OUTA (FIG. 25A), pin SL connects to sub-circuit OUTA C8B. Center tap of PPT1 pin SCT is the output return or negative node OUT− it connects to sub-circuit OUTA pin OUT− and sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B) pin OUT− and RLOAD. Converter positive output from sub-circuit OUTA pin OUT+ is connected to RLOAD and sub-circuit IFB pin OUT+. FIG. 1 elements LL, BR, PFA, AMP, Q1, IPFFB, IFB and PFT1 (input stage) perform power factor corrected AC to DC conversion. The regulated high voltage output of this converter supplies the efficient fixed frequency/duty-cycle push-pull stage comprising PPG, AMP1, AMP2, Q6, Q9, PPT1 and OUTA (FIG. 1A). Magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 provides galvanic isolation and minimal voltage overshoot and ripple in the secondary thus minimizing filtering requirements of the rectifier sub-circuit OUTA. Five-volt reference output from sub-circuit PFA pin PFA2 connects to node 15 then to FIG. 1A sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBC and to sub-circuit IFB pin FBC. Pulse width control input from sub-circuit PFA pin PF1 connects to pin 14 then to FIG. 1A sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBE and to sub-circuit IFB pin FBE. Sub-circuit IFB provides high-speed feedback to the AC DC converter, the speed of the boost stage provides precise output voltage regulation and active ripple rejection. In the event of sudden line or load changes, sub-circuit IPFFB corrects the internal boost to maintain regulation at the isolated output. Remote load sensing and other feedback schemes known in the art may be implemented with sub-circuit IPFFB. This configuration provides power factor corrected input transient protection, rapid line-load response, excellent regulation, isolated output and quiet efficient operation at high temperatures.

[0132]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a DC to AC converter. The invention DCAC1 is an efficient push-pull converter. Comprised of sub-circuits PPG (FIG. 43), AMP1 (FIG. 29), AMP2 (FIG. 29), SNB (FIG. 32), SNA (FIG. 31), PPT1 (FIG. 19) switches Q6 and Q9. Table Element Value/part number Q6 FS 14SM-18 A Q9 FS 14SM-18 A

[0133] Converter ACDC1 accepts variable DC voltage and efficiently converts it to a variable AC voltage output at a fixed frequency. Variable frequency operation may be achieved by simple changes to PPG. In this embodiment fixed frequency operation is required. The magnetic element comprises non-saturating magnetics. A graph of B-H hysteresis for the non-saturating magnetics is set forth in FIG. 15. Variable DC voltage is applied to pin DC+. The pin DC+ connects to the following, sub-circuit PPT1 (FIG. 19) pin P2CT, snubber sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNA3, and snubber SNB (FIG. 32) pin SNB3. Constant frequency non-overlapping two-phase generator sub-circuit PPG (FIG. 43) generates the drive for the push-pull output switches. Phase one output pin PH1 is connected to sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA1, the second phase output pin PH2 is connected to sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA1. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q6. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q9. The buffering provided by AMP1 and AMP2 shortens switch Q1 ON and OFF times greatly reducing switching losses (See FIG. 13 and 14). External regulated 18-volt power from pin P18V connected to amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA+, amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA+ and sub-circuit PPG pin PPG+. Drain of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNB pin SNB1 and to non-saturating center tapped primary magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2H. Drain of transistor Q9 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNA1 and sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2L. Source of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNB pin SNB2, transistor Q9 source, sub-circuit SNA pin SNA2, sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA0, sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA0, sub-circuit PPG pin PPG0, and to return pin DC−. AC output of NSME sub-circuit PPT1 pin SH connects to Pin ACH, pin SL connects to pin ACL. Center tap of PPT1 pin SCT is connected to pin ACO. Magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 provides galvanic isolation and minimal voltage overshoot in the secondary thus minimizing filtering requirements if a rectifier assembly is attached. Sub-circuit DCAC1 may be used as a stand-alone converter or as a fast quiet efficient stage in a multi stage converter system. Sub-circuit DCAC1 achieves isolated output, quiet operation, efficient conversion, and operation at high and low temperatures.

[0134]FIGS. 3 and 3A is a three-stage version of the present invention. The arrangement is comprised of an AC-DC or DC-DC boost converter stage, DC-DC forward converter stage, and a push-pull stage. This system reduces losses by combining low current buck regulation, buffered switching, rectified snubbering, and NSME in each stage. A power factor corrected boost stage is used to assure that any load connected to the converter looks like a resistive load to the AC line, eliminating undesirable harmonic and displacement currents in the AC power line. NSME having a lower permeability compared to the prior art are used to minimize magnetizing losses, improve coupling efficiency, minimize magnetic element heating, eliminate saturated core current spikes/gap leakage, reduce parts count, reduce thermal deterioration, and increase MTBF (mean time before failure). The invention also uses an emitter follower circuit with a high speed switching FET to slew the main FET gate rapidly. The use of non-saturating magnetics allows operation at higher voltages, which proportionally lowers current further reducing switch, magnetic element, and conductor losses due to I²R heating. High voltage FET switches have the added benefit of lower gate capacitance, which translates to faster switching. At turn on, the n-channel gate drive FET quickly charges the main FET gate. At turn off, a PNP Darlington transistor switch quickly discharges the main FET gate. The flyback effect in the PFC stage is managed by use of rectifying RC networks positioned across the output diode with an additional capacitor coupled diode across the switched magnetic element to decouple and further dampen the inductive flyback. The invention is comprised of a power factor corrected regulating boost stage with line protection filter sub-circuit LL (FIG. 21) and full-wave rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22) and capacitors C1 and C2. Sub-circuits PFB (FIG. 24), resistor R2, rectifier CP (FIG. 26), magnetic element PFT1 (FIG. 18), over temperature protection OTP (FIG. 28) snubber SN (FIG. 30) gate buffer AMP (FIG. 29), switch transistors Q1, flyback diode D4, holdup capacitors C17 and C16, bleed resistor R17, and voltage feedback sub-circuit FBA (FIG. 40A). An efficient second pre-regulating buck stage with sub-circuits PWFM (FIG. 33), current sense resistor R26, rectifier CPA (FIG. 27), magnetic element BL1 (FIG. 18B), over voltage protection OVP (FIG. 42), IPFFB (FIG. 40) gate buffer AMP3 (FIG. 29), switch transistor Q2, flyback diode D70, storage capacitor C4, and voltage feedback sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B). An efficient third push-pull isolation stage with sub-circuits CPA (FIG. 27), two-phase generator PPG (FIG. 43), gate buffers AMP1 (FIG. 29) and AMP2 (FIG. 29), switch transistors Q6, and Q9, snubbers SNA (FIG. 31) and SNB (FIG. 32), magnetic element PPT1 (FIG. 19) and rectifier OUTA (FIG. 25). Table Element Value/part number C1 .01 uf C2 1.8 uf R2 100k ohms D4 STA1206 Diode R17 375k ohms Q1 IRFP460 C16 100 uf C17 100 uf R26 .05 ohms D70 STA1206 DI Q2 IRFP460 C4 10 uf Q6 FS14Sm-18 A Q9 FS14Sm-18 A

[0135] AC line is connected to sub-circuit LLA (FIG. 21) between pins LL1 and LL2. AC/earth ground is connected to node LL0. The filtered and voltage limited AC line appears on node/pin LL5 of sub-circuit LLA and connected to node BR1 of bridge rectifier sub-circuit BR. The neutral/AC return leg of the filtered and voltage limited AC appears on pin LL6 of sub-circuit LL is connected to input pin BR2 of BR. The line voltage is full-wave rectified and is converted to a positive haversine appearing on node BR+ of sub-circuit BR. Start up resistor R2 connects BR+ to sub-circuit CP pin CP+. Node CP+ connects to pins PFA+ of control element sub-circuit PFB and over temperature switch sub-circuit OTP pin GAP. Resistor R2 provides start up power to the control element until the regulator CP is at full output. Node S1H from PFT1 is connected to pin 31 (FIG. 3) then to pin CT1A of sub-circuit CP and pin PFVC of sub-circuit PFB. The zero crossing of the core bias are sensed when the voltage at S1H is at zero relative to BR−. The core zero crossings are used to reset the PFC and start a new cycle. The positive node of the DC side of bridge BR+ is connected through capacitor C2 to BR−. Capacitor C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor. Sub-circuit BR pin BR+ connects to pin SNL1 of snubber sub-circuit SN, sub-circuit PFB pin BR+ and pin BR+ (FIG. 3A) then to primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1B and to sub-circuit OVP pin BR+. The return line for the rectified AC power is connected to the following pins; BR− of sub-circuit BR, sub-circuit PFT1 pin SLCT, PFC sub-circuit PFB pin BR−, sub-circuit FBA pin BR−, capacitor C2, sub-circuit CP pin CT0, sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBE, and through EMI filter capacitor C1 to earth ground node LL0. Node BR− continues to FIG. 3A connecting to R26, capacitors [C16∥C17∥R17], sub-circuit OVP pin BR−, sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFMO, sub-circuit AMP3 pin GA0, switch Q2 source. Floating ground node PF− is connected to magnetic element sub-circuit PFT1 pin S2CT, rectifier sub-circuit CPA pin CT20, generator sub-circuit PPG (FIG. 43) pin PPG0, sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA0, sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA0, capacitor C4, magnetic element BL1 pin, transistor Q6 source, transistor Q9 source, sub-circuit SNA pin SNA2 sub-circuit SNB pin SNB2, pin PF-(FIG. 3) then to sub-circuit IPFFB pin PF−. Drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit SN pin SNL2, then to pin 34 of FIG. 3A then to sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1A. Snubber SN reduces the high voltage stress to Q1 until flyback diode D4 begins conduction. Additional rectification efficiency and protection is achieved by adding sub-circuit DSN (FIG. 30A) across flyback diode D4. Feedback corrected boost output voltage of the power factor corrected AC to DC converter stage appears across nodes PF+ and PF−. The regulated 385-volt boost output node PF+ connects to the following; sub-circuit SN pin SNOUT, diode D4 cathode, sub-circuit IPFFB (FIG. 40) pin PF+, sub-circuit FBA pin PF+, then to pin PF+ of FIG. 3A, capacitors [C16∥C17∥R17], magnetic element sub-circuit PTT1 (FIG. 19) pin P2CT, snubber sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNA3, and snubber SNB (FIG. 32) pin SNB3, sub-circuit OVP pin PF+, capacitor C4 and diode D70 cathode. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to pin 31 (FIG. 3) then to sub-circuit CP pin CT1A and pin PFVC of sub-circuit PFB. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to pin 33 FIG. 3 then to sub-circuit CP pin CT2A. Magnetic element winding node S2H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CPA pin CTLB. Magnetic element winding node S2L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT2B. Sub-circuit PFB using feedback from the phase of the AC line, Q1 switch current, magnetic bias first stage and output voltage feedback generates a command pulse on pin PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFB (FIG. 24) is connected to the input of buffer AMP amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP1. Buffered high-speed low impedance gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of switch FET Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 “ON” and “OFF” times greatly reducing switch losses (See FIGS. 13 and 14). The source of Q1 is connected to sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, pin 35 of FIG. 3A then to current sense resistor R26 connected to return node BR−. The voltage developed across R26 is fed back to PFB pin PFSC. This signal is used to protect the switch by reducing the pulse width in response to a low line or high load induced over current fault. This feedback is non-isolated; network values are selected for the first stage to develop a 385-Volt output at PF+. Sub-circuit feedback network FBA (FIG. 40A) pin PF1 is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin PF1. Controller PFB modulates PFCLK signal to maintain a substantially constant 385-voltage at PF+ independent of line and load conditions. In the event of a component failure in sub-circuit FBA the PBF may command the converter to very high voltages. Sub-circuit OVP monitors the first stage boost in the event it exceeds 405-volts OVP will clamp the output of sub-circuit BR causing fuse F1 in sub-circuit LLA to open. An alternate over voltage network OVP1 (FIG. 42A) may replace OVP clamping the 18-volt control power stopping the boost action of the converter without opening the fuse. The haversine on BR+ is used with an internal multiplier by PFB to generate variable width control pulses on pin PFCLK. The high frequency modulation of switch Q1 makes the load/converter appear resistive to the AC line. Over temperature protection sub-circuit OTP pin TS+ is connected to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+. Thermal switch THS1 is connected to Q1. In the event Q1 reaches approximately 105C THS1 opens removing power to sub-circuit AMP, safely shutting down the first stage. Normal operation resumes after the temperature decreases 20-30C closing THS1. The second stage is configured as a buck stage. It accepts the 385-Volt output of the first stage. By employing a second floating reference node PF− energy storage element capacitor C4 the voltage to the final push-pull stage may be regulated with minimal loss. Power from sub-circuit CP pin CP18V+ is connected to pin 30 of FIG. 3A then to sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33) pin PWM+ and AMP3 pin GA+. Feedback current from sub-circuit IPFFB pin FBC is connected to pin 36 FIG. 3A then to sub-circuit IFB pin FBC and sub-circuit PWFM pin PF1. Sub-circuit IPFFB only shunts current from this node if the output of the second stage is greater than 200-volts. When the converter reaches its designed output voltage, IFB shunts current from PWFM pin PF1 signaling PWFM to reduce the pulse width on pin PWMCLK. Sub-circuit AMP3 input pin is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWMCLK. Output of AMP3 buffer pin GA2 is connected to gate of switch Q2. Drain of Q2 is connected to anode of D70 and non-saturating magnetic sub-circuit BL1 pin P2B (FIG. 18B). Turning on switch Q2 charges C4 also storing energy in magnetic element BL1. Releasing switch Q2 allows energy stored in magnetic element BL1 to charge C4 through flyback diode D70. Larger pulse widths charge C4 to larger voltages thus efficiently blocking part of the first stage voltage to the final push-pull stage. This action provides regulated voltage to the final converter stage. The third and final push-pull (transformer) converter stage provides the galvanic isolation, filtering and typically converts the internal high voltage bus to a lower regulated output voltage. The efficient push-pull stage produces alternating magnetizing currents in the NSME for maximum load over core mass. Constant frequency non-overlapping two-phase generator sub-circuit PPG (FIG. 43) generates the drive for the push-pull output stage. Phase one output pin PH1 is connected to sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA1, output pin PH2 is connected to sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA1. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q6. Output of amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GAP2 connects to gate of push-pull output switch Q9. The buffering provided by AMP1 and AMP2 shortens switch Q1 ON and OFF times greatly reducing switching losses. (See FIGS. 13 and 14) Regulated 18-volt power from sub-circuit CPA pin CP18+ is connected to amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP1 pin GA+, amplifier buffer sub-circuit AMP2 pin GA+ and sub-circuit PPG pin PPG+. Drain of transistor Q6 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNB pin SNB1 and to non-saturating center tapped primary magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2H. Drain of transistor Q9 is connected to snubber network sub-circuit SNA (FIG. 31) pin SNA1 and sub-circuit PPT1 pin P2L. Output of NSME sub-circuit PPT1 pin SH connects to pin C7B of rectifier sub-circuit OUTA (FIG. 25), pin SL connects to C8B. Center tap of PPT1 pin SCT is the output return or negative node OUT− it connects to sub-circuit pin OUT− and sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and RLOAD.

[0136] Supply positive output from sub-circuit OUTA pin OUT+ is connected to RLOAD and sub-circuit IFB pin OUT+. Elements LLA, BR, PFA, AMP, Q1, IPFFB, IFB and PFT1 provide power factor corrected AC to DC conversion and DC output regulation. The regulated high voltage output of this converter is used to power the efficient fixed frequency push-pull stages PPG, AMP1, AMP2, Q6, Q9, PPT1 and OUTA. Magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1 provides galvanic isolation and minimal voltage overshoot in the secondary thus minimizing filtering requirements of the rectifier sub-circuit OUTA. Sub-circuit IFB provides high-speed feedback to the AC DC converter, the speed of the boost stage provides precise output voltage regulation and active ripple rejection. In the event of a sudden line or load changes sub-circuit IPFFB compensates the internal boost. This system reduces losses by focusing output control in the middle (low current) stage of the converter and by using non-saturating magnetics, buffered switching, and rectifying snubbers throughout each stage. The combined improvements translate to higher system efficiencies, higher power densities, lower operating temperatures, and, improved thermal tolerance thereby reducing or eliminating the need for forced air-cooling per unit output. The non-saturating magnetic properties are relatively insensitive to temperature (see FIG. 17), thus allowing the converter to operate over a greater temperature range. In practice, the operating temperature for the Kool Mu NSME is limited to 200C by wire/core insulation; the non-saturating magnetic material remains operable to near its Curie temperature of 500C. This configuration provides power factor corrected input transient protection, rapid line-load and ripple compensation, excellent output regulation, output isolation and quiet efficient operation at high temperatures.

[0137]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a power factor corrected single stage AC to DC converter sub-circuit ACDCPF. The invention is comprised of line protection filter sub-circuit LL (FIG. 20) and full-wave rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). A power factor corrected regulated boost stage with sub-circuits PFB (FIG. 24), snubber sub-circuit SN (FIG. 30), magnetic element sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A), sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), over temperature sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28), and voltage feedback sub-circuit FBA (FIG. 40A). Start up resistor R2, filter capacitor C1, PFC capacitor C2, flyback diode D4, switch transistor Q1, hold up capacitors C17 and C16, and resistor R17. Table Value/part Element number C1 .01 uf C2 1.8 uf R2 100k ohms R26 0.05 ohms Q1 IRFP 460 D4 STA1206 DI C17 100 uf C16 100 uf R17 375k ohms

[0138] AC line is connected to sub-circuit LL (FIG. 20) between pins LL1 and LL2. AC/earth ground is connected to node LL0. The filtered and voltage limited AC line appears on node/pin LL5 of sub-circuit LLA and connected to node BR1 of bridge rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). The neutral/AC return leg of the filtered and voltage limited AC appears on pin LL6 of sub-circuit LL is connected to input pin BR2 of BR. The line voltage is full-wave rectified and is converted to a positive haversine appearing on node BR+ of sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). Start up resistor R2 connects BR+ to sub-circuit CP pin CP+. Node CP+ connects to pins PFA+ of power factor controller sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 24) and over temperature switch sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28) pin GAP. Resistor R2 provides start up power to the control element until the rectifier and regulator CP is at full output. Node S1H from PFT1A is connected to node PFVC sub-circuit PFB. The zero crossing of the core bias are sensed when the voltage at S1H is at zero. The core zero crossings are used to reset the PFC and start a new cycle. The positive node of the DC side of bridge BR+ is connected through capacitor C2 to BR−. C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor. Primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A) pin PIB connects to pin SNL1 of snubber sub-circuit SN (FIG. 30), sub-circuit PFB pin BR+ and connects to node BR+. The return line for the rectified AC power BR− is connected to the following pins; BR− of sub-circuit BR, sub-circuit PFB pin BR−, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, sense resistor R26, capacitor [C16∥C17∥resistor R17], capacitor C2, sub-circuit CP pin CT0, sub-circuit PFT1A pin SLCT and through EMI filter capacitor C1 to earth ground node LL0. Drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit PFT1A pin P1A and snubber sub-circuit SN pin SNL2. Additional rectification efficiency and protection is achieved by adding sub-circuit DSN (FIG. 30A) in parallel flyback diode D4. Sub-circuit provides reduces the high voltage stress to Q1 until flyback diode D4 begins conduction. Line coupled, power factor corrected boost regulated output voltage of the AC to DC converter stage (FIG. 1) appears on node PF+. The regulated boost output PF+ connects to the following; sub-circuit SN pin SNOUT, diode D4 cathode, capacitor [C16∥C17∥R17], and snubber DSN (FIG. 30A) pin SNOUT. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT1A and pin PFVC of sub-circuit PFB. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT2A. Sub-circuit PFB using the phase of the AC line, and load voltage generates a command pulse PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFB (FIG. 24) is connected to the input of buffer amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP1 (FIG. 29). Buffered high-speed gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of switch FET Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 ON and OFF times greatly reducing switch losses. The source of Q1 is connected to current sense resistor R26, pin PFSC of sub-circuit PFB, connected then to return node BR−. The voltage developed across R26 is feedback to PFB pin PFSC. This signal is used to protect the switch in the event of an over current fault. Thermal switch THS1 is connected to Q1. In the event Q1 reaches approximately 105C THS1 opens removing power to sub-circuit AMP, safely shutting down the first stage. Normal operation resumes after the switch temperature drops 20-30C closing THS1. Sub-circuit feedback network FBA (FIG. 40A) pin PF1 is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin PF1. Converter output at node PF+ (the junction of [C17∥C16] and D4) is connected to sub-circuit FBA pin PF+. The return line of sub-circuit FBA pin BR− is connected to pin BR− of sub-circuit PFB. This feed back is non-isolated; network values are selected for a substantially constant 385-Volt output at PF+ relative to BR−. The high-voltage haversine from the rectifier section BR pin BR+ is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin BR+. The haversine is used with an internal multiplier by PFB to make the converter ACDCPF appear resistive to the AC line. Sub-circuits LLA, BR, PFB, AMP, Q1, OTP, FBA, IFB and PFT1A perform power factor corrected AC to DC conversion. The regulated high voltage output of this converter may be used use to power one or more external converters connected to the PF+ and BR− nodes. The NSME sub-circuit PPT1A provides efficient boost action at high power levels in a very small form factor. Sub-circuit FBA provides high-speed feedback to the converter the speed of the boost stage provides precise output voltage regulation and active ripple rejection. This configuration provides power factor corrected input transient protection, rapid line-load response, excellent regulation, and quiet efficient operation at high temperatures.

[0139]FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a power factor corrected converter with auto load leveling sub-circuit ACDCPF1. The invention is comprised of line filter sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A), fast start sub-circuit FS1 (FIG. 45), transient diodes D460, D461, and D462 (FIG. 46) and inrush limiter sub-circuit SS1 (FIG. 44). A power factor corrected regulated boost stage with sub-circuits PFB (FIG. 24), snubber sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B), magnetic element sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A), sub-circuit CP1 (FIG. 26A), buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), over temperature sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28), over voltage sub-circuit FB2 (FIG. 41A), and voltage feedback sub-circuit FBD (FIG. 40D). Auto load-leveling resistor R345, filter capacitor C1, PFC capacitor C2, flyback diode D4, switch transistor Q1, hold up capacitors C442 and C417. Table Value/part Element number C1 .01 uf C2 1.8 uf R26 0.05 ohms Q1 ATP5014B2LC D4 STA1206 DI D460-D462 STA1206 DI C442 330 uf C417 0.58 uf R345 1 MEG ohms

[0140] AC line is connected to sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A) between nodes LL1 and LL2. AC/earth ground is connected to node LL0. The filtered and rectified AC line appears on pin BR+ of sub-circuit LF connects to anode of transient diodes D460-462. Cathode of diodes D460-462 connects to node PF+ and main storage capacitor C442. The line voltage is full-wave rectified converted to a positive haversine appearing on node B+ of sub-circuit LF (FIG. 20A). Node B+ of filter sub-circuit LF is connected to input pin BR+ of PFB (FIG. 24), positive of C2, pin PB1 of PFT1A, pin B+ of SS1. Capacitor C2 is selected for various line and load conditions to de-couple switching current from the line improving power factor. Fast start sub-circuit FS1 node TP17 connects to sub-circuit CP1 pin TP17. Node VCC of CP1 connects to pin PFA+ of power factor controller sub-circuit PFB (FIG. 24), auto load leveling resistor R345 connects to pin PF1 of PFB and PF1 of FBD. VCC of FS1 connects to over temperature switch sub-circuit OTP (FIG. 28) pin GAP. Fast start FS1 provides start up power until the converter is at full power. It also provides control power in the event of an extended loss of boost. Node S1H from PFT1A is connected to node PFVC sub-circuit PFB. The zero crossing of the core bias are sensed when the voltage at SH1 is at zero. The core zero crossings are used to reset U1B and start a new cycle. Primary of NSME sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A) pin P1B connects to pin SNL2 of snubber sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B), sub-circuit PFB pin BR+ and connects to node B+. Return line for the rectified AC power BR− is connected to the following pins; BR− of sub-circuit LF, sub-circuit PFB pin BR−, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, sub-circuit SS1 pin BR−, sense resistor R26, sub-circuit SS1 pin BR−, capacitors C417 and C2, sub-circuit CP1 pin CT0, sub-circuit FB2 pin BR−, sub-circuit FBD pin BR−, sub-circuit FS1 pin BR−, sub-circuit PFT1A pin SLCT and through EMI filter capacitor C1 to earth ground node LL0. Drain of output switch Q1 is connected to diode D4 anode, sub-circuit PFTLA pin P1A and snubber sub-circuit SNBB pin SNL2. Switch protection is achieved by adding sub-circuit SNBB (FIG. 30B) in parallel flyback diode D4. Sub-circuit SNBB provides reduces the high voltage stresses to Q1 until flyback diode D4 begins conduction. Regulated output voltage of the converter appears on node PF+. The regulated boost output PF+ connects to the following; sub-circuit SNBB pin SNOUT, diode D4 cathode, capacitor C417, sub-circuit FS1 pin PF+, sub-circuit SS1 pin PF+, and diode D460-462 cathodes. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP1 pin CT1A and pin PFVC of sub-circuit PFB. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CPI pin CT2A. Sub-circuit PFB using the phase of the AC line, and load voltage generates a command pulse PFCLK. Pin PFCLK of sub-circuit PFB (FIG. 24) is connected to the input of buffer amplifier pin GA1 of sub-circuit AMP1 (FIG. 29). Buffered high-speed gate drive output pin GA2 of sub-circuit AMP is connected to gate of main switch Q1. The buffering provided by AMP shortens switch Q1 “ON” and “OFF” times greatly reducing switch losses. The source of Q1 is connected to current sense resistor R26, pin PFSC of sub-circuit PFB, connected then to return node BR−. The voltage developed across R26 is feedback to PFB pin PFSC. This signal is used to protect the switch in the event of an over current fault. Thermal switch THS1 is thermally connected to Q1. In the event Q1 reaches approximately 105C THS1 opens removing power to sub-circuit AMP, safely shutting down boost operation. Normal operation resumes after the switch temperature drops 20-30C closing THS1. Sub-circuit feedback network FBD (FIG. 40D) pin PF1 is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin PF1. Sub-circuit feedback network FB2 (FIG. 41A) pin PF2 is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin PF2. This feed back is non-isolated; network values are selected for a substantially constant 385-Volt output at PF+ relative to BR−. The high-voltage haversine from the rectifier section pin B+ is connected to sub-circuit PFB pin BR+. The haversine is used with an internal multiplier by PFB to make the converter ACDCPF1 appear resistive to the AC line. The regulated high voltage output of this converter may be used use with one or more external converters connected in parallel. A unique feature of the converter ACDCPF1 is the automatic load-sharing feature. Where the signal VCC varies as a function of load as shown in FIG. 26B. Load leveling R345 resistor connected between nodes VCC and PF1 regulates the output voltage lower as the load/boost increases. This unique action allows units to be operated in parallel with out the typical master slave connections. In this way the lightly loaded converter will increase it's output voltage thus accepting more load. Like wise the heavy loaded converter will reduce voltage, automatically shedding load to parallel converters. In this way any number of converters may be connected in parallel for high power or redundant applications. In the prior art master/slave configuration, loss of the master unit is catastrophic. In the instant invention failure or removal of a unit causes the remaining unit/units to assume the additional load. The NSME sub-circuit PPT1A1 provides efficient boost action at high power levels in a very small form factor. Inrush limiter sub-circuit SS1 allows “hot swapping” with minimal system disturbance. The unique magnetic features allow full power operation at temperature ranges were common art converters can not. Providing high power factor, transient protection, low inrush currents, excellent regulation, automatic recovery from fault conditions and quiet efficient operation at temperature extremes.

[0141]FIG. 5 is a graph comparing typical currents in saturating and non-saturating magnetic elements. As the inductance does not radically change at high temperatures and currents in the NSME, the large current spikes due to the rapid reduction of inductance common in saturating magnetics is not seen. As a result, destructive current levels, excessive gap leakage, magnetizing losses, and magnetic element heating are avoided in NSME.

[0142]FIG. 6 is a schematic for non-isolated low side switch buck converter sub-circuit NILBK. Sub-circuit NILBK consists of resistor R20, diode D6, capacitor C6, FET transistor Qlll, sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), sub-circuit PFT1A (FIG. 18A), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29) and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number R20 100k ohms D6 STA1206 DI Q111 IRFP460 C6 10 uf

[0143] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. From DCIN+ through resistor R20 connects to sub-circuit CP pin CP+, sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Resistor R20 provides startup power to the converter before regulator sub-circuit CP reaches it full 18-volt output. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, Q111 source, sub-circuit IFB pin FBE, sub-circuit CP pin CT0, and sub-circuit PFT1 pin SLCT. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT1A. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT2A. The regulated 18 volts from sub-circuit CP+ is connected to R20, sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit PWFM is designed for variable pulse width operation. PWFM is configured for maximum pulse width 90-95% with no feedback current from sub-circuit IFB pin FBC. Increasing the feedback current reduces the pulse-width and output voltage from converter NILBK. Sub-circuit PWFM clock/PWM output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP. The output of sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q111. Input node DCIN+ connects to the cathode of flyback diode D6, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT+, resistor RLOAD, capacitor C6 and pin B+. The drain of Q111 is connected to sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1B and the anode of D6. Pin P1A of sub-circuit PFTLA is connected to capacitor C6, RLOAD, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and to node B−. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q111. Switch Q111 conducts charging capacitor C10 through NSME PFTLA from source VBAT and storing energy in PFTLA. Feedback output pin FBC from sub-circuit IFB is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. Sub-circuit IFB removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or on time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PWFM switches output pin CLK low turning “off” Q111 stopping the current into PFTLA. The energy not transferred into regulator sub-circuit CP load is released from NSME PFT1A into the now forward biased diode D6 charging capacitor C6. By modulating the “on” time of switch Q111 the converter buck voltage is regulated. Regulated voltage is developed across Nodes B− and B+. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback voltage to the sub-circuit PWFM. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes B+ and B−) is at the designed voltage, current from REF is removed from PW1. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q111 is removed stopping all buck activity capacitor C6 discharges through RLOAD. Input current from VBAT is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switch Q111 is not exposed to large flyback voltage. Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit NILBK takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. Adjusting the NSME 100 (FIG. 18A) primary inductance and component values in sub-circuit IFB determines the output buck voltage.

[0144]FIG. 7 is a schematic of the tank coupled single stage converter sub-circuit TCSSC. Sub-circuit TCSSC consists of resistor R20 and RLOAD, capacitor C10, transistors Q21 and Q11, sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18), sub-circuit OUTA (FIG. 25), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B) and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Value/part Element number R20 1k ohms R61 2k ohms Q21 TST541 U12 4N29 Q11 IRFP460 C10 1.8 uf

[0145] TCSSC can be configured to operate as an AC-DC converter, a DC-DC converter, a DC-AC converter, and an AC-AC converter. External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. Source power may also be derived from rectified AC line voltage such as FIG. 20 or FIG. 21 to form a single stage power factor corrected AC to DC converter with isolated output. From DCIN+ resistor R20 connects to sub-circuit CP pin CP+, sub-circuit AMP pin GA+, U12 LED anode and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Resistor R20 provides startup power to the converter until the control supply regulator sub-circuit CP reaches the desired 18-volt output. VBAT negative is the ground return node connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFMO, Q11 source, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, sub-circuit CP pin CT0, pin DCIN− and sub-circuit PFT1 pin S1CT. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT1A. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT2A. Sub-circuit PWFM is designed as a constant 50% duty-cycle variable frequency generator. Sub-circuit PWFM Clock output pin CLK is connected to input of buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA1. The output of buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q1 and R21. Resistor R21 is connected to the cathode of U12 LED. The emitter of Q21 and drain of Q11 is connected to sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1A. Pin P1B of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected through tank capacitor C10 to node DCIN+, Q21 collector and through resistor R61 to U12 phototransistor collector. The emitter of U12 phototransistor is connected to the base of Q21. With PWFM pin CLK high transistor Q11 conducts charging capacitor C10 through NSME PFT1 from VBAT storing energy in PFT1. Sub-circuit PWFM switches CLK low, Q11 turns “off”. With CLK low LED of U12 is turned “on” injecting base current into Q21. With transistor Q21 “on” the tank circuit is completed, allowing capacitor C10 to discharge into NSME PFT1 winding 100 (FIG. 18). Now the energy not transferred into the load is released from NSME PFT1 into the now forward biased NPN switch Q21 back into capacitor C10. Thus any energy not used by the secondary load remains in the tank coupled primary circuit (winding 100). When the switching occurs at the resonant frequency, high voltages oscillate between C10 and winding 100 creating high flux density AC excursions in PFT1. C10 and PFT1 exchange variable AC currents whose magnitude is controlled by frequency modulation scheme IFB and PWFM. The large primary voltage generates large, high frequency biases in the NSME PFT1 thereby producing high flux density AC excursions to be harvested by secondary windings 102 and 103 (FIG. 18) to support a load or rectifier sub-circuit OUTA. Magnetic element winding node S2H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to OUTA pin C7B. Magnetic element winding node S2L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to OUTA pin C8B. Magnetic element winding node S2CT of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to OUTA pin OUT−. Node OUT− is connected to RLOAD, pin B− and to sub-circuit IFB pin OUT−. Rectified power is delivered to pin OUT+ of OUTA and is connected to RLOAD, pin B+ and to sub-circuit IFB pin OUT+. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback signal to the sub-circuit PWFM. Frequency control pin FM1 of sub-circuit PWFM is connected to sub-circuit IFB pin FBE. Internal reference pin REF of sub-circuit PWFM is connected to sub-circuit IFB pin FBC. PWFM is designed to operate at the resonate frequency of the tank (2*pi*(square root (C10*inductance of 100 (FIG. 18)). When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output is at the target voltage, current from PWFM pin REF is injected into FM1. Injecting current into FM1 commands the PWFM to a lower clock frequency pin CLK. Driving the tank out of resonance reduces the amount of energy added to the tank thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM off or 0 Hz, i.e.: at no load, all primary activity stops. The input current from VBAT may be steady state or variable DC. When TCSSC is operated from rectified AC (sub-circuit LL FIG. 20), high input (line) power factor and input transient protection is achieved. The primary and secondary currents of PFT1 are sinusoidal and free of edge transitions making the converter very quiet. In addition the switches Q11 and Q21 are never exposed to the large circulating voltage induced in the tank (See FIG. 35). This allows the use of lower voltage switches in the design thereby reducing losses and increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit TCSSC takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. TCSSC is well suited for implementation with distributed NSME PFT1D (FIG. 18C). This combination exemplifies how distributed magnetics enable advantageous high voltage converter design variations that support form factor flexibility and multiple parallel secondary outputs from series coupled voltage divided primary windings across multiple NSME. This magnetic strategy is useful in addressing wire/core insulation, form factor and packaging limitations, circuit complexity and manufacturability. These converter strategies are very useful for obtaining isolated high current density output from a high voltage low current series coupled primary. Adjusting the secondary turn's ratio allows TCSSC to generate very large AC or DC output voltages as well as low-voltage high current outputs.

[0146]FIG. 8 is a schematic for a tank coupled single stage converter sub-circuit TCTP. Sub-circuit TCTP consists of resistor R20 and RLOAD, capacitor C10, Darlington transistors Q10 and Q20, sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18), sub-circuit OUTB (FIG. 25A), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B) and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number R20 5k ohms Q10 FTZ605CT Q20 FTZ750CT C10 1.8 uf

[0147] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. From DCIN+ connects to Q10 collector then through resistor R20 connects to sub-circuit CP pin CP+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Resistor R20 provides startup power to the converter before regulator sub-circuit CP reaches it full 18-volt output. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− ground/return node GND. Node GND connects to sub-circuit PWFM0 pin PWFM0, Q20 collector, C10, sub-circuit CP pin CT0 and sub-circuit PFT1 pin S1CT. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP CT1A. Magnetic element winding node S1L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP CT2A. Magnetic element winding node S1CT of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT0. Magnetic element winding node S2CT of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to OUTB pin OUT−. Regulated 18-volts from sub-circuit CP+ is connected to R20 and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit PWFM is designed for a constant 50% duty cycle variable frequency generator. Sub-circuit PWFM clock output pin CLK is connected to the base of Q10 and Q20. The emitters of Q10 and Q20 are connected to sub-circuit PFT1 pin P1B. This forms an emitter follower configuration. Pin P1A of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected through tank capacitor C10 to node GND. With PWFM CLK pin high forward biased transistor Q10 supplies current to the tank from BAT1 charging capacitor C10 through NSME PFT1 and transferring energy into PFT1. Sub-circuit PWFM switches CLK low turning “off” Q10 stopping the current into PFT1. Energy not transferred into the load is released from NSME PFT1 into the now forward biased PNP transistor Q20 back into capacitor C10. Thus any energy not used by the secondary loads is transferred back to the primary tank to be used next cycle. When the switching occurs at the resonant frequency large circulating currents develop in the tank. Also C10 is charged and discharged to very large voltages. Oscillograph in FIG. 35 is the actual voltage developed across capacitor C10 with VBAT equal to 18 volts. A very large 229-Volts peak to peak was developed across the nodes P1A and P1A of NSME PFT1. The large primary voltage generates large biases in the NSME PFT1 to be flux harvested by the windings 102 and 103 (FIG. 18) and transferred to a load or rectifier sub-circuit OUTB. Magnetic element winding node S2L of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to OUTB C8b. Magnetic element winding node S2H of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to C7B of sub-circuit OUTB node OUT−. Node OUT− is connected to RLOAD, pin B− and to sub-circuit IFB pin OUT−. Rectified power is delivered to pin OUT+ of OUTB and is connected to RLOAD, pin B+ and to sub-circuit IFB pin OUT+. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback signal to the sub-circuit PWFM. Frequency control pin FM1 of sub-circuit PWFM is connected to sub-circuit IFB pin FBE. Internal reference pin REF of sub-circuit PWFM is connected to sub-circuit IFB pin FBC. PWFM is designed to operate at the resonate frequency of the tank. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output is at the designed voltage, current from REF is injected into FM1. Injecting current into FM1 commands PWFM to a lower frequency. Operating below resonance reduces the amount of energy added to the primary tank thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to 0-Hz all primary activity stops. Input current from VBAT is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switches Q10 and Q20 are never exposed to the large circulating voltage (FIG. 35). Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit TCTP takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. Adjusting secondary turns allows TCTP to generate very large AC or DC output voltages as well as low-voltage high current outputs.

[0148]FIG. 9 is a schematic for non-isolated low side switch boost converter sub-circuit NILSBST. Sub-circuit NILSBST consists of resistor R20 and RLOAD, diode D16, capacitor C6, FET transistor Q116, sub-circuit CP (FIG. 26), sub-circuit PFTlA (FIG. 18A), sub-circuit FBI (FIG. 41), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29) and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number R20 100k ohms Q116 IRFP460 D16 STA1206 DI C16 200 uf

[0149] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. From DCIN+ Resistor R20 connects to sub-circuit CP pin CP+, sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Resistor R20 provides startup power to the converter before regulator sub-circuit CP reaches it full 18-volt output. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− and ground return node GND. Node GND connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, Q111 source, sub-circuit FBA pin BR−, sub-circuit FBA pin FBA, sub-circuit CP pin CT0, capacitor C16, resistor RLOAD, transistor Q116 source, and sub-circuit PFT1 pin S1CT. Magnetic element winding node S1H of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT1A. Magnetic element winding node S1CT of sub-circuit PFT1 is connected to CP pin CT0. Magnetic element winding node S2H of sub-circuit PFT1A is connected to CP pin CT2A. The regulated 18 volts from sub-circuit CP+ is connected to R20, sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit PWFM is designed for variable pulse width operation. PWFM is configured for maximum pulse width 90-95% (maximum boost voltage) with no feedback current from sub-circuit FBI. Increasing the feedback current reduces the pulse-width reducing the boost voltage and reducing the output from converter NILSBST. Sub-circuit PWFM clock/PWM output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP. Output of sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q116. Input node DCIN+ connects to the NSME PFTLA pin P1A. The drain of Q116 is connected to sub-circuit PFT1A pin P1B and the anode of D16. Cathode of diode D16 is connected to sub-circuit FBA pin PF+, resistor RLOAD, C6 and pin BK+. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q116. Switch Q116 conducts reverse biasing diode D16 capacitor C16 stops charging through NSME PFTLA from source VBAT. During the time Q116 is conducting, energy is stored in NSME sub-circuit PFT1A. Feedback output pin FBC from sub-circuit FBI is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. Sub-circuit FBI removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or on time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PFFM switches CLK low turning “off” Q116 stopping the current into PFT1A. The energy not transferred into regulator sub-circuit CP load is released from NSME PFTL1A into the now forward biased diode D16 charging capacitor C16. By modulating the “on” time of switch Q116 the converter boost voltage is regulated. Regulated voltage is developed across Nodes B− and B+. Sub-circuit IFB provides the feedback current to the sub-circuit PWFM. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes B+ and B−) is at or greater than the designed voltage, current is removed from PW1. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q116 is removed stopping all boost activity capacitor C16 charges to VBAT. Input current from VBAT is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switch Q116 is not exposed to large flyback voltage. Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit NILBK takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. Adjusting the NSME 100 (FIG. 18A) primary inductance and component values in sub-circuit IFB determines the output boost voltage.

[0150]FIG. 10 is a schematic for a two stage isolated DC to DC boost controlled push-pull converter BSTPP. Sub-circuit BSTPP consists of diode D14, capacitor C14, FET transistor Q14, sub-circuit REG (FIG. 36), sub-circuit BL1 (FIG. 18B), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), sub-circuit DCAC1, sub-circuit OUTB, and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. Table Element Value/part number Q31 IRFP460 D14 STA1206 DI C14 10 uf

[0151] From pin DCIN+ connects to sub-circuit REG pin RIN+ and sub-circuit BL1 pin P1A. Voltage regulator sub-circuit output pin +18V connects to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit REG provides regulated low voltage power to the controller and to the main switch buffers. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− and ground return node GND. Node GND connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, Q14 source, capacitor C14, sub-circuit IFB pin FBE, sub-circuit REG pin REG0 and sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC−. Sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33) is designed for variable pulse width operation. The nominal frequency is between 20-600 Khz PWFM is configured for maximum pulse width 90% (maximum boost voltage) with no feedback current from sub-circuit FBI. Increasing the feedback current reduces the pulse-width reducing the boost voltage and reducing the output from converter BSTPP. Sub-circuit PWFM clock/PWM output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). The output of switch speed up buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q14. Input node DCIN+ connects to the NSME BL1 pin P1A. The drain of Q14 is connected to sub-circuit BL1 pin PlB and the anode of D14. Cathode of flyback diode D14 is connected to sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC+ and C14. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q14. Switch Q14 conducts reverse biasing diode D14 capacitor C14 stops charging through NSME BL1 from source VBAT. During the time Q14 is conducting, energy is stored in NSME sub-circuit BL1. Feedback output pin FBC from sub-circuit IFB is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. Sub-circuit IFB removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or “on” time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PFFM switches CLK low turning “off” Q14 stopping the current into BL1. The energy is released from NSME BL1 into the now forward biased flyback diode D14 charging capacitor C14. By modulating the “on” time of switch Q14 the converter boost voltage is regulated. Regulated voltage is developed across C14 Nodes DC+ and GND is provided to the isolated constant frequency push-pull DC to AC converter sub-circuit DCAC1 (FIG. 2). Sub-circuit DCAC1 provides efficient conversion of the regulated boost voltage to a higher or lower voltage set by the magnetic element-winding ratio. The center tap of the push-pull output magnetic is connected to, sub-circuit OUTB pin OUT−, RLOAD, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and the pin OUT− forming the return line for the load and feedback network. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACH is connected to sub-circuit OUTB pin C7B. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACL is connected to sub-circuit OUTB pin C8B. Sub-circuit OUTB provides rectification of the AC power generated by sub-circuit DCAC1. Since the non-saturating magnetic converter has low output ripple, minimal filtering is required by OUTB. This further reduces cost and improves efficiency as losses to filter components are minimized. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback current to the sub-circuit PWFM. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes OUT+ and OUT−) is greater than the designed/desired voltage, current is removed from node PW1. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q14 is removed stopping all boost activity capacitor C14 charges to VBAT. As the non-saturating does not saturate the destructive noisy current “spikes” common to prior art are absent. Input current from VBAT to charge C14 is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switch Q14 is not exposed a potentially destructive current spike. Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit BSTPP takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME. Adjusting the NSME BL1 (FIG. 18B) sets the amount of boost voltage available to the final push-pull isolation stage. Greater efficiencies are achieved at higher voltages. The final output voltage is set by the feedback set point and the turns ratio of the push-pull element PPT1 (FIG. 19).

[0152]FIG. 11 is a graph of permeability as a function of temperature for typical prior art magnetic element material. The high permeability material in FIG. 11 exhibits large changes in permeability of almost 100% over a 100C range as compared to the less than 5% change for the material in FIG. 17. The increase in permeability at high temperatures of the prior art material increases the flux density resulting in core saturation for a constant power level. (See FIG. 12) Thus the prior art core must be derated at least 100% to operate over extended temperatures. The instant invention takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME. Eliminating the need to derate the magnetic element. As the magnetic element performs better at high temperatures, currently limited by melting wire insulation.

[0153]FIG. 12 is a graph of flux density as a function of temperature for typical prior art magnetic element material. The reduction of maximum flux density with temperature is typical of the saturating magnetic element prior art material. Thus the prior art core is commonly derated at least 100% to operate over extended temperatures. Resulting in a larger more expensive design, and or the requirement to cool the core. FIG. 12A is a graph of magnetic element losses for various flux densities and operating frequencies typical of prior art magnetic element material.

[0154]FIG. 13 is a graph showing standard switching losses. The hashed area represents the time when the switch is in a resistive state. The hashed area is proportional to the amount of energy lost each time the output switch operates. Total power lost is the product of the loss per switch times the switching frequency.

[0155]FIG. 14 is a graph showing the inventions switching losses. The hashed area represents the time when the switch is in a resistive state. The smaller hashed area is due to the action of the buffer in FIG. 29 and the snubber isolation diode D805 in FIG. 30. Generally the NSME has a wider usable frequency band and can be magnetized from higher primary voltages. Higher operating voltages have proportionally smaller currents for a given power level thus proportionally lower losses. Switching losses more closely resemble I²R losses. Most switching loss occurs during turn “on” and turn “off” transitions; total switching losses are reduced proportionally by the lower switching frequencies and faster transition times characteristic of the disclosed NSME converters. In addition the properties of the NSME allow operation at temperature extremes beyond the tolerance of standard prior art magnetics and their geometry's. The combined contributions of the above yields a converter that requires little or no forced air-cooling. (See FIG. 15, 16, and 17)

[0156]FIG. 15 is a graph of the NSME magnetization curves for Kool Mu material. The invention makes advantageous use of the available saturation range of the NSME.

[0157]FIG. 15A is a graph of the magnetization curves for H Material.

[0158]FIG. 16 is a graph of the Kool Mu NSME losses for various flux densities and operating frequencies. It can be seen from the data that much higher flux densities are available per unit losses over the prior art.

[0159]FIG. 17 is a plot of permeability vs. temperature for several Kool Mu materials. This data demonstrates the usefulness and stability of the magnetic properties over temperature.

[0160]FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the non-saturating magnetic boost element PFT1. Sub-circuit PFT1 consists of a primary winding 100 around a NSME 101 with two center-tapped windings 102 and 103. Table Element Value/part number 100 55 turns 203 uh 101 2 × 77932-A7 102 14 turns 102 14 turns

[0161] The primary winding 100 has nodes P1B and P1A for connections to external AC source. Secondary 102 winding has center-tapped node S1CT and node S1H and S1L connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. Secondary 103 winding has center-tapped node S2CT and node S2H and S2L connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. Both 102 and 103 are connected to external full-wave rectifier assemblies. Magnetic element magnetic element 101 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which ranges from 1500 to 5000 u. Flyback management is of concern when using NSME in a boost converter because the magnetic element generates high drain source voltages across the primary switch during the reverse recovery time of the flyback (output) diode. The magnitude per cycle of flyback current from NSME is greater for a given input magnetizing force relative to the prior art. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu torroids (Materials from Magnetics) are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight, 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air, (permeability=1); a molypermalloy powder, (MPP) a high flux MPP, a powder, a gapped ferrite, a tape wound, a cut magnetic element, a laminated, or an amorphous magnetic element. Unlike the prior art, the NSME is temperature tolerant in that the critical parameters of permeability and saturability remain substantially unaffected during extreme thermal operation over time. Some materials such as air also exhibit little or no change in permeability or saturation levels over time, temperature, and conditions. The prior art uses high permeability saturable materials often greater than 2000 u permeability. These magnetics exhibit undesirable changes in permeability and saturation during operation at or near rated output making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 11. This deficiency is overcome by the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements or output current sharing with multiple supplies. (See the graph b_(sat) vs. temperature FIG. 12) This invention takes advantage of the desirable properties of NSME. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 17. Prior art saturating magnetic element commonly is operating at frequencies greater than 500 KHz to achieve greater power levels. As a result practitioners experience exponentially greater core losses (see FIG. 12A) at high frequencies. NSME support operation at lower frequencies 20-600 KHz further reducing switching losses and magnetic element losses allowing operation at even higher temperatures. See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16. Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses. The magnetic element is operated at duty cycles of 0%+ to 90%, which, when used to control the primary side push-pull voltage, results in efficiencies on the order of 90%.

[0162]FIG. 18A is a schematic representation of the NSME PFT1A Sub-circuit transformer PFTlA consists of a primary winding 100 around a NSME 101 with a center-tapped winding 102. Table Element Value/part number 100 55 turns 230 uh 101 2 × 77932-A7 102 14 turns

[0163] The primary winding 100 has nodes P1B and P1A for connections to external AC source. Secondary 102 winding has center-tapped node S1CT and node S1H and S1L connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. Winding 102 are typically connected to external full-wave rectifier assemblies. Magnetic element 101 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which is on the order of 2500 u.

[0164] Flyback management is of concern when using such a magnetic element because the magnetic element generates high drain source voltages across the primary switch during the reverse recovery time of the flyback diode. Flyback current is available for longer periods after the primary switch opens. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu (Materials from Magnetics are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight: 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air; (air magnetic element permeability=1); a molypermalloy powder (MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; or an amorphous magnetic element. During operation the temperature of the NSME rises, the permeability slowly decreases, thereby increasing the saturation point. Some materials such as air exhibit no or very small changes in permeability or saturation levels. Unlike prior art using high permeability materials greater than 2000 u permeability rapidly increases at high temperatures. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 11. Prior art also suffers from reduced magnetic element saturation levels at high temperatures, making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult and may require the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements. See the graph b_(sat) vs. temperature FIG. 12 this invention takes advantage of the desirable NSME properties. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 17. Operation at lower frequencies 20-600 KHz reduces switching losses and magnetic element losses allowing operation at higher temperatures. See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16. Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses. The magnetic element is operated at duty cycles of 0%+ to 90%, which, when used to control the primary side push-pull voltage, results in efficiencies on the order of 90%.

[0165]FIG. 18B is a schematic representation of the NSME BL1 Sub-circuit BL1 consists of a winding 100 around a NSME 101. Table Element Value/part number 110 40 turns 50 uh 107 2 × 77932-A7

[0166] Magnetic element BL1 may also be constructed from one or more magnetic elements in series or parallel. Assuming minimal mutual coupling the total inductance is the arithmetic sum of the individual inductances. For elements in parallel (assuming minimal mutual coupling) the total inductance is the reciprocal of the arithmetical sum of the reciprocal of the individual inductances. In this way multiple magnetic elements may be arranged to meet packaging, manufacturing, and power requirements. The primary winding 107 has nodes P2B and P2A for connections to external AC source. Magnetic element 107 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which is on the order of 2500 to 5000 u. Flyback management is of concern when using such a magnetic element because the magnetic element generates high drain source voltages across the primary switch during the reverse recovery time of the flyback diode. Flyback current is available for longer periods after the primary switch opens. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu (Materials from Magnetics are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight: 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air (air magnetic element permeability=1); a molypermalloy powder (MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; or an amorphous magnetic element. During operation temperature of the magnetic element rises, the permeability slowly decreases, thereby increasing the saturation point. Some materials such as air exhibit no or very small changes in permeability or saturation levels. Unlike prior art using high permeability materials greater than 2000 u permeability rapidly increases at high temperatures. See the permeability vs. temperature (FIG. 11). Prior art also suffers from reduced magnetic element saturation levels at high temperatures, making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult and may require the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements. (See the graph b_(sat) vs. temperature FIG. 12) This invention takes advantage of the desirable NSME properties. (See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 17.) Prior art often operates at high switching frequencies 100-1000 kHz to avoid the saturation problem. Only to increase switching and core losses. (See FIG. 12A) This inventions use of the desirable NSME properties allows operation at lower frequencies 20-600 KHz further reducing switching losses and magnetic element. See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16. Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses.

[0167]FIG. 18C is a schematic representation of a distributed NSME PFTLD. This is shown to exemplify distributed magnetics enable advantageous high voltage converter design variations that support form factor flexibility and multiple parallel secondary outputs from series coupled voltage divided primary windings across multiple NSME. This magnetic strategy is useful in addressing wire insulation, form factor and packaging limitations, circuit complexity and manufacturability. In this example a 500W converter is required to fit in a low profile package. Sub-circuit PFTD1 consists of three magnetic elements 120, 121 and 124 with series connected primaries. Table Element Value/part number 113 77352-A7 122 23 Turns 123 23 Turns 112 67 uh (55 turns) 114 77352-A7 116 67 uh (55 turns) 117 77352-A7 118 67 uh (55 turns)

[0168] AC voltage is applied to 112 pin P1B then from P1C through conductor 115 to 116 pin P1D. Winding 116 pin P1E is connected through conductor 119 to 118 pins P1F then to pin P1A. Original Sub-circuit PFT1 (FIG. 18) consists of a primary winding 100 around a NSME 101 with two center-tapped windings 122 and 123. By way of example sub-circuit PFT1D will be implemented as three magnetic elements. For a 500-watt expression a total inductance of 203 uH is required in winding 100 (FIG. 18). Dividing the primary inductance by the number of elements, in this case three requires elements 112, 116 and 118 have 67 uH of inductance. The energy storage is equally distributed over the magnetic assembly 120, 121 and 124. The 500 watt converter in (FIG. 1) employs two (Kool Mu part number 77932-A7) 0.9 oz (25 gram) NSME to form 101 (FIG. 18). Sub-circuit PFT1 magnetic element 101 (FIG. 18) may be expressed as three 0.5-0.7 oz (14-19 gram) elements. Three 0.5-oz Kool Mu elements (part number 77352-A7) were selected. To realize 67 uH of primary inductance 55 turns are required for elements 112, 116 and 118. The primary circuit has nodes P1B and P1A for connections to external AC source. Secondary 122 winding has center-tapped node S1CT and node S1H and S1L connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. Secondary 123 winding has center-tapped node S2CT and node S2H and S2L connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. Both 122 and 123 are connected to external full-wave rectifier assemblies. Magnetic element magnetic element 120, 121 and 124 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which is on the order of 2500 u. Flyback management is of concern when using such a magnetic element because the magnetic element generates high drain source voltages across the primary switch during the reverse recovery time of the flyback diode. Flyback current is available for longer periods after the primary switch opens. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu (Materials from Magnetics are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight: 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air (air magnetic element permeability=1); a molypermalloy powder (MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; or an amorphous magnetic element. During operation the temperature of the NSME, the permeability slowly decreases, thereby increasing the saturation point. Some materials such as air exhibit no or very small changes in permeability or saturation levels. Unlike prior art using high permeability materials greater than 2000 u permeability rapidly increases at high temperatures. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 11. Prior art also suffers from reduced magnetic element saturation levels at high temperatures, making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult and may require the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements. (See the graph b_(sat) vs. temperature FIG. 12) This invention takes advantage of the desirable NSME properties. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 17. Prior art saturating magnetic element commonly is operating at frequencies greater than 500 KHz to achieve greater power levels. As a result practitioners experience exponentially greater core losses (see FIG. 12A) at high frequencies. NSME allows operation at lower frequencies 20-500 KHz further reduces switching losses and magnetic element losses allowing operation at even higher temperatures. (See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16) Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses. The magnetic element is operated at duty cycles of 0%+ to 90%, which, when used to control the primary side push-pull voltage, results in efficiencies on the order of 90%.

[0169]FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the non-saturating push-pull magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1.

[0170] Sub-circuit PPT1 consists of a center-tapped primary winding 104 around a NSME 106 with one secondary center-tapped winding 105. Table Element Value/part number 106 77259-A7 105 10 Turns 104 70 Turns

[0171] The primary winding 104 has nodes P2H and P2L for connections to external AC sources, and common center-tap node P2CT. Secondary 105 winding has center-tapped node SCT and nodes SH and SL connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. The invention is not limited to a single output. More secondary windings may be added for additional outputs. Secondary 105 is connected to an external full-wave rectifier assembly (Example FIG. 25 or 26). The magnetic element magnetic element 106 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which is on the order of 2500 u. Flyback management is of concern when using such a magnetic element as high drain source voltages across the primary switch are generated during the reverse recovery of the flyback diode. The falling flyback current is available for a longer period. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu (magnetic elements from Magnetics are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight; 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air (comprise an air magnetic element); a molypermalloy powder (MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; or an amorphous magnetic element. During operation the temperature of the NSME rises, the permeability slowly decreases, thereby increasing the saturation point. Unlike prior art using high permeability materials greater than 2000 u permeability rapidly increases at high temperatures. See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 11. Prior art also suffers from reduced magnetic element saturation levels at high temperatures, making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult and may require the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements. (See the bsat vs. temperature FIG. 12) This invention takes advantage of the desirable NSME properties. (See the permeability vs. temperature (FIG. 17) Operation at lower frequencies 20-600 KHz reduces switching losses and magnetic element losses allowing operation at higher temperatures. See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16. Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses. The magnetic element primary is driven in a push-pull fashion at a duty cycle of 48-49% resulting in efficient use of the magnetic element volume.

[0172]FIG. 19A is a schematic representation of the non-saturating push-pull magnetic element sub-circuit PPT1. Sub-circuit PPT1 consists of a center-tapped primary winding 134 around a NSME 136 with one secondary center-tapped winding 135. Table Element Value/part number 136 77259-A7 135 10 Turns 134 70 Turns

[0173] The primary winding 134 has nodes P2H and P2L for connections to external AC sources, and common center-tap node P2CT. Secondary 135 winding has center-tapped node SCT and nodes SH and SL connections to the upper and lower halves respectively. The invention is not limited to a single output winding. More secondary windings may be added for additional outputs. Secondary 135 is connected to an external full-wave rectifier assembly such as OUTA (FIG. 25), OUTB (FIG. 25A) and OUTBB (FIG. 25B). The magnetic element 136 comprises a non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material. The permeability is on the order of 26 u with a range of 1 u to 550 u, as compared to the prior art, which is on the order of 2500 u. Flyback management is of concern when using such a magnetic element as high drain source voltages across the primary switch are generated during the reverse recovery of the flyback diode. The falling flyback current is available for a longer period. (See FIG. 5) For example, Kool Mu (magnetic elements from Magnetics are suitable for this application. This material is not identified by way of limitation. The material comprises, by weight; 85% iron, 6% aluminum, and 9% silicon. Further, the magnetic element may be air (comprise an air magnetic element); a molypermalloy powder (MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; or an amorphous magnetic element. During operation the temperature of the NSME rises, the permeability slowly decreases, thereby increasing the saturation point. Unlike prior art using high permeability materials greater than 2000 u permeability rapidly increases at high temperatures. See the permeability vs. temperature (FIG. 11). Prior art also suffers from reduced magnetic element saturation levels at high temperatures, making operation at high power levels and temperature difficult and may require the use of expensive oversized magnetic elements. (See the bsat vs. temperature FIG. 12) This invention takes advantage of the desirable NSME properties. (See the permeability vs. temperature FIG. 17) Operation at lower frequencies 20-600 KHz reduces switching losses and magnetic element losses allowing operation at higher temperatures. See the loss density vs. flux density FIG. 16. Unlike the prior art, the instant invention uses voltage mode control with over-current shutdown. Material selection is also based upon mass and efficiency. By increasing the mass of the magnetic element, more energy is coupled more efficiently. Since there are reduced losses, the dissipation profile follows I2R/copper losses. The magnetic element primary is driven in a push-pull fashion at a duty cycle of 48-49% resulting in efficient use of the magnetic element volume.

[0174]FIG. 20 is a schematic showing the inventions filter and lightning input protection circuit for an AC line connected converter. The protection sub-circuit LL comprises a Spark gap A1, diodes D20 and D21, capacitor C1 and magnetic elements L1 and L2. Table Element Value/part number L1 375 uH L2 375 uH C61 0.01 uF C60 0.01 uF A1 400 V Spark Gap C1 0.1 uF D20 1000 V/25 A D21 1000 V/25 A D22 1000 V/25 A D23 1000 V/25 A C2 1.8 uf

[0175] The AC line is connected to node LL2. The common input frequencies of DC to 440 Hz may be extended beyond this range with component selection. Node LL2 is connected to NSME L1 then to node LL5, the spark gap A1, anode of diode D22 and the cathode of diode D20. Filter capacitor C60 is connected between node LL0 and LL6. Filter capacitor C61 is connected between node LL0 and LL5. The low side of AC line is connected to node LL1 then to magnetic element L2 the other side L2 is connected to spark gap A1, anode of diode D23 and the cathode of diode D21 and to node LL6. Capacitor C1 is connected to earth ground C1 attenuates noise generated by the converter. The use of non-saturating magnetic allows the input magnetic elements to absorb very large voltages and currents commonly generated by lightning, often without causing spark gap A1 to clamp. During UL testing sixty 16 ms 2000V pulses were applied between LL1 and LL2 without realizing spark gap A1 was missing with out damage. During normal operation the NSME L1 flux density is a few hundred gauss. The 75 u material from the graph of Flux Density vs. Magnetizing Force (FIG. 15) will accept flux densities at least 50 times greater with out limitation. This is an example of the magnetic elements ability to perform well at flux densities many times greater than prior art. Elements L1 and L2 will block differential or common mode line transients. In the event of a very large or long duration line to neutral transient, spark gap A1 will clamp the voltage to a safe level of about 400V. The NSME L1 and L2 have the added benefit of reducing conducted noise generated by the converter.

[0176]FIG. 20A is a schematic showing an alternate line filter. The filter sub-circuit LF comprises capacitors C2 and C60-66, inductors L64 and L62, magnetic element L63 and diodes D20-D23. Table Value/part Element number L64 270 uH common mode H core bifilar L63 1.0 mH 125 u differential mode L62 12 mH common mode H core bifilar C66 0.01 uF C63, C62 0.47 uF C61, C61, C64, 2.2 nf Y-cap C65 C20 0.01 uF D20 1000 V/25 A D21 1000 V/25 A D22 1000 V/25 A D23 1000 V/25 A C2 1.5 uf

[0177] The AC line is connected to nodes LL2 and LL1. Node LL2 connects through upper leg of inductor L64 to first leg of y-cap C64 then to capacitor C63 then to upper leg of Bifilar wound inductor L62. Node LL1 connects through lower leg of inductor L64 to second leg of y-cap C65, then to capacitor C63 then to lower leg of Bifilar wound inductor L62. Capacitor C66 is connected between LL2 and LL1. Second upper leg of inductor L62 connects to first leg of y-cap C61 then to capacitor C62 then to anode of D22 and cathode of D20. Second lower leg of inductor L62 connects to second leg of y-cap C60 then to capacitor C62 then to anode of D23 and cathode of D21. Center legs of Y-caps C60, C61, C64 and C65 are connected to chassis return LL0. Capacitor C69 connects node BR− to chassis ground LL0. Anodes of diode D20 and D21 connected to node BR−. Cathodes of diodes D22 and D23 connect to MSME L63 in parallel with C20 and node BR+. Capacitor C21 connects to BR− and the other side of L63 in parallel with C20 forming node B+. Common mode inductors L64 and L62 are constructed on a high permeability core material H41-406-TC, H42-109-TC respectively manufactured by Magnetics inc. Butler Pennsylvania USA. This material is offered by way of example and not limitation. Capacitor C69 is connected to earth ground attenuates noise generated by the converter. The instant invention takes advantage of the high permeability properties of the ferrite used in inductors L64 and L62. (see FIG. 15A). Making full use of the core material over all four quadrants. Inductors L64 and L62 are effective in removing common mode EMI components. Differential mode noise generated by the main switch Q1 is effectively blocked by NSME L63 in parallel with C20. Inductor L63 is operated in the first quadrant taking advantage of the unique non-saturating properties of the Kool Mu core material(manufactured by Magnetics Inc.). This material allows operation with large DC magnetizing currents without saturation. The 125 u material from the graph of Flux Density vs. Magnetizing Force (FIG. 15) was selected for this application. And is offered by way of example and not limitation. This is an example of the magnetic element's ability to perform well at high flux densities many times greater than prior art. NSME L63 in parallel with C20 forms a tuned tank effectively blocking high frequency from the AC line. Elements L64 and L62 will block common mode line transients. In the event of a very large or long duration line to neutral transient, sub-circuit TRN (FIG. 46) connected to BR+ redirects the transient into the main storage capacitor C442. The instant invention makes optimal use of the ferrite type material in the AC side and the desirable NSME in the DC side to provide high performance filtering at a low cost.

[0178]FIG. 21 is a schematic showing the inventions alternate lightning protection sub-circuit LLA for an AC line connected converter. The protection circuit comprises a , Spark gap A1, capacitors C1, C60 and C61 and NSME L3. Table Element Value/part number L3 750 uH C61 0.01 uF C60 0.01 uF A1 400 V Spark Gap C1 0.1 uF D20 1000 V/25 A D21 1000 V/25 A D22 1000 V/25 A D23 1000 V/25 A C2 1.8 uf

[0179] High side of AC line is connected to node LL2 is connected to NSME L3 and to capacitor C61. The load side L3 is connected to spark gap A1 and the cathode of diode D20 and anode of D22 forming node LL5. The low side of AC line is connected to node LL6, capacitor C60, spark gap A1, and the cathode of diode D21 and anode of D23. The anodes of diodes D20 and D21 are connected to Capacitor C1. Capacitor C1 is connected to earth ground. C1 attenuates radiated noise or EMI generated by the converter. The cathode of diodes D22 and D23 are connected to Capacitor C2. Capacitor C2 decouples high frequency harmonic currents from the line. Capacitors C1, C61 and C60 are connected to earth ground node LL0. The use of non-saturating magnetics allows the input magnetic element to absorb very large voltages and currents commonly generated on the AC line by lightning. A transient on the AC line will be limited by capacitors C60 and C61 and blocked by the non-saturating magnetic L3. In the event of a very large or long duration line to neutral transient, magnetic element L3 will allow the voltage to rise across spark gap A1, the spark gap will clamp the voltage to a safe level protecting the rectifier diodes D20-D23. The NSME L3 has the added benefit of reducing conducted noise generated by the converter. C1 connected to the ground plane is effective in attenuating conducted and radiated EMI.

[0180]FIG. 22 is a schematic showing the inventions AC line rectifier. The rectifier sub-circuit BR1 comprises diodes D20, D21, D22 and D23 and capacitor C2. Table Element Value/part number D20 1000 V/25 A D21 1000 V/25 A D22 1000 V/25 A D23 1000 V/25 A C2 1.8 uf

[0181] An AC or DC signal from the input filter is connected to bridge rectifier to nodes BR1 and BR2. Node BR1 connects diode D22 anode to D20 cathode. Node BR2 connects diode D23 anode to D21 cathode. Node BR+ connects diode D22 cathode to D23 cathode. Node BR− connects diode D20 anode to D21 anode. The common input frequencies of DC to 440 Hz may be extended beyond this range with component selection. Capacitor C2 is selected to improve power factor for a particular operating frequency and to de-couple switching currents from the line. Diodes are selected to reliably block the expected line voltage and current demands of the next converter stage.

[0182]FIG. 23 is the inventions AC to DC controller sub-circuit. Sub-circuit PFA consists of resistors R313 and R316, capacitors C308, and C313 and PWM controller IC U1A. Table Element Value/part number C311 0.1 uf C308 .01 uf R313 15k ohms R316 15k ohms C313 4700 pf R308 25k ohms U1A MIC38C43 (Micrel)

[0183] Control element U1A connects to a circuit with the following series connections: from pin 1 to feedback node/pin PF1 then to capacitor C308 then to the pin 2 node of U1A. Internal 5.1-volt reference U1A pin 8 or node PFA2 through resistor R308 to the pin 4 node. U1A pin 4 is connected through capacitor C313 to return node BR−. This arrangement allows the PFC output to be pulse width modulated with application of voltage to PF1. External feedback current applied to U1A pin 1 and node PF1. Node PFVC is connected to resistor R313 to pin 3 of U1A. Resistor R316 is connected to pin 3 then to return node BR− Power pin 7 is connected to node PFA+. Control element switch drive U1A pin 6 is connected to node PFCLK. Return ground node of U1A pin 5 is connected to return node BR−. In the event of a component failure in the primary feed networks such as IPFFB (FIG. 40), FBA (FIG. 40A), IFB (FIG. 40B) and FB1 (FIG. 41). The output voltage of the boost stage may rapidly increase to destructive levels. Fast over voltage feedback networks IOVFB (FIG. 40C) or OVP2 (FIG. 42B) increases the current into PF1 thereby limiting the output voltage to a safe level. In addition latching type over voltage protection networks such as OVP (FIG. 42), OVP1 (FIG. 42A) and OVP2 (FIG. 42B) maybe used. The latching type kills power to the control circuit thereby stopping the boost action. The latching type networks require power to be cycled to the converter to reset the latch. IFB Input node PFVC is connected to resistor R313 to internal zero crossing detector connected to pin 3 and through R316 to return node BR−. PFVC is connected to a magnetic element winding referenced to BR−. A new conduction cycle is started each time the bias in the magnetic element goes to zero. Power factor corrected is realized by chopping the input at a high frequency. The average pulse width decreases at higher line voltage and increases at lower voltage for a given load. Frequency is lower at line peaks and higher around zero crossings. In this way the converter operates with a high input power factor.

[0184]FIG. 24 is the alternate power factor controller sub-circuit. Sub-circuit PFB consists of resistors R313, R339, R314, R315, R328, R340, R341 and R346, diode D308, capacitors C310, C318, C338, C340, C341 and C342, transistor Q305, and control element IC U1B. Table Element Value/part number Q305 BCX70KCT R339 432k ohms C338 0.22 uf C318 0.22 uf R314 2.2 MEG ohms R315 715k ohms C341 0.33 uf C342 0.01 uf C340 0.001 uf R328 1 MEG ohms R346 7.15k ohms D308 10BQ040 R340 449k ohms R313 22k ohms U1B MC34262 (Motorola) R341 499k ohms

[0185] Control element U1B connects to a circuit with the following series connections: from pin 1 to node/pin PF1 to capacitor C338 in series with resistor R339, and then to the pin 2 node of U1B. Pin 1 is the input to an internal error amplifier and connection to external feedback networks. (See FIGS. 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D and 41) Increasing the voltage on pin 1 decreases the pulse width of the PFCLK node pin 7. Resistor R328 is connected to the fullwave rectified AC line haversine voltage on node BR+ then to U1B pin 3 and then to resistor R346 in parallel with capacitor C342 to return node BR−. Node PFSC connects to series resistors [R341+R340] which are connected to U1B pin 4 then to diode D308 in parallel with capacitor C340 to return node BR−. Power to PFC controller is applied to node PFB+ and to U1B pin 8. Output clock node PFCLK is connected to U1B pin 7, to external buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). Transistor Q305 collector is connected to the pin 2 node of U1B. The base is connected in series through resistor R314 to capacitor C318, then to the pin 2 node of U1B. The base is also connected to [C310∥R315], then to return node BR− Emitter of Q305 is connected to return node BR−. Transistor Q305 provides a soft start compensation ramp to the controller error amp reducing the stress and DC overshoot in the converter at power up. Capacitor C341 is connected from U1 pin 2 to return node BR−. U1B pin 1 is connected to pin PF1, capacitor C338 in series with resistor R339 to transistor Q305 collector and to U1 pin 2. Current switched by PFC power switch Q1 (FIGS. 4 & 3) is sensed by R26 (see FIG. 4). Series resistors [R340+R341] to U1B pin 4 connect voltage developed across R26. This voltage is compared to an internal 1.5-volt reference, comparator output turns off the switch drive pin 7 of U1B during times of high current that occur during startup or during very high load or low line conditions. Capacitor C340 is connected between U1 pin 4 to return node BR− filter high frequency components. Schottky diode D308 connected between U1 pin 4 to return node BR− protects the controller (U1 pin 4) substrate from negative current injection. Maximum switch current value is set by R26 over currents are automatically limited in each cycle by the PFC controller. The rectified fullwave haversine at pin 3 of U1B is multiplied by the error voltage on pin 2. The product is compared to the magnetic element/switch current measured by R26 on pin 4. Gate drive on pin 7 turns off when the sensed magnetic element current increases to the current comparator level. This action has the effect of modulating the switch Q1 “on” time tracking the AC line voltage. External feedback networks are connected to node PF1. In the event of a component failure in the primary feed network such as IPFFB (FIG. 40), FBA (FIG. 40A), IFB (FIG. 40B) and FB1 (FIG. 41). The output voltage of the boost stage may rapidly increase to destructive levels. Fast over voltage feedback networks IOVFB (FIG. 40C) or OVP2 (FIG. 42B) increases the current into PF1 thereby limiting the output voltage to a safe level. In addition latching type over voltage protection networks such as OVP (FIG. 42), OVP1 (FIG. 42A) and OVP2 (FIG. 42B) maybe used. The latching type removes power to the control circuit thereby stopping the boost action. The latching type networks require power to be cycled to the converter to reset the latch. Modulating the voltage at PF1 changes the duty cycle of the PFC and the final output voltage. In this way the PFC may be used as a pre-regulator to additional output stages.

[0186]FIG. 25 is a schematic of a full wave rectified output stage and filter sub-circuit OUTA. The rectifier stage consists of diodes D80 and D90. The filter consists of resistor R21, magnetic element L30 and capacitors C26, C27, C28, C29, C30, C31 and C32. Table Element Value/part number D80 40CTQ150 D90 40CTQ150 R21 100 ohms C26 500 pf C27 200 pf C28 0.1 uf C29 10,000 uf C30 10,000 uf C31 0.1 uf C32 200 pf L30 10 uh

[0187] Input node/pin C7B is connected to the high side of external center-tapped magnetic element secondary winding. Node C7B connects to anode of diode D8 and to capacitors C26 and C27 in the following arrangement. Capacitor C27 is connected across diode D80, capacitor C26 is connected in series to R21. Input node/pin C8B is connected to the low side of external center-tapped magnetic element secondary winding. Pin C8B is connected to anode of diode D90 and to resistor R21, capacitor C32 is connected across diode D90. Capacitors C27 and C32 is a small value to reduce high frequency noise generated by rapid switching the high speed rectifier D80 and D90 respectively. Capacitor C26 and resistor R21 are used to further dissipate high frequency energy. Anode of diodes D80 and D90 is connected to parallel capacitors C28∥C29 and NSME L30. Capacitors C28 and C31 are solid dielectric types selected for low impedance to high frequency signals. Capacitors C29 and C30 are larger polarized types selected for low impedance at low frequencies and for energy storage. Magnetic element L3 is connected to diode D80 cathode the second terminal of L30 is connected to parallel capacitors C31 and C30 and pin OUT+. Node OUT+ is the output positive and is connected to external feedback sense line to isolated feedback network. The other side of parallel capacitors [C28∥C29∥C30∥C31] is connected to pin OUT− and the center-tap of the magnetic element secondary forming the return node. The combination of capacitors [C28∥C29], L30 and capacitors [C30∥C31] form a low pass pi type filter. Sub-circuit OUTA performs efficient fullwave rectification and filtering.

[0188]FIG. 25A is a schematic of a full wave rectified output stage. The rectifier stage consists of diodes D80 and D90 and capacitors C931 and C928. Table Element Value/part number D80 40CTQ150 D90 40CTQ150 C928 .01 uf C931 10,000 uf

[0189] Input node/pin C7B is connected to high side of external center-tapped magnetic element secondary winding. Node C7B connects to anode of diode D80. Input node/pin C8B is connected to low side of external center-tapped magnetic element secondary winding is connected to anode of diode D90. Node OUT− is the negative output and return line to the external isolated feedback network and load not shown. Cathodes of diodes D80 and D90 are connected to parallel capacitors C931 and C928. Capacitor C928 is a solid dielectric type selected for low impedance to high frequency signals. Capacitor C931 is a larger polarized selected for low impedance to low frequency signals and for energy storage. Node OUT+ is the output positive and is connected to external feedback sense line to isolated feedback network. The other side of parallel capacitors C928∥C931 is connected to the center-tap of the magnetic element secondary forming the node OUT−. The use of the NSME for the push-pull magnetic element requires only minimal filtering after the rectifiers.

[0190]FIG. 25B is a schematic diagram of an alternate final output rectifier and filter sub-circuit OUTB. The rectifier sub-circuit OUTB comprises diodes D40, D41, D42 and D43 and capacitor C931 and C928. Table Element Value/part number D40 40CTQ150 D41 40CTQ150 D42 40CTQ150 D43 40CTQ150 C928 .01 uf C931 10,000 uf

[0191] An AC or DC signal is connected to nodes C7B and C8b. Node C7B connects diode D41 anode to D40 cathode. Node C8b connects diode D42 anode to D43 cathode. Node OUT+ connects diode D42 cathode to D43 cathode. Node OUT− connects diode D40 anode to D43 anode. Diodes are selected to reliably block the expected line voltage and current demands of the load. For low voltage outputs, Schottky type diodes are used due to their low forward voltage drop. Higher voltages would use high-speed silicon diodes due to their ability to withstand high peak inverse voltage (PIV). The use of the NSME for the push-pull magnetic element requires only minimal filtering after the rectifiers. Capacitor C928 is shown schematically as a single device. Capacitor C931 is a larger polarized selected for low impedance to low frequency signals and for energy storage a typical value may be 200 uF. To increase the capacitance or reduces the output impedance multiple capacitors may be used. C931 is a solid dielectric type and is selected for it's low impedance to high frequencies. As is selected to reduces noise for a particular operating frequency and power level. Capacitor C928 is selected for the operating frequency and power level. Sub-circuit OUTB performs AC to DC rectification and filtering at slightly lower efficiency due to the extra junctions.

[0192]FIG. 26 Floating 18 Volt DC control power sub-circuit CP. Sub-circuit CP consists of diodes D501, D502 and D503, resistor R507, regulator Q504, and capacitors C503, C504, C505, C506, and C507. Table Element Value/part number C503 .33 uF C504 100 uF D501 MURS120T3 C505 .33 uf Q504 LM7818A C508 100 uf C507 100 uf D503 MURS130T3 D502 MURS120T3

[0193] Node CT1A connects to anode of D503 and to the upper external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT2A connects to anode of D502 and to the lower external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT0 connects to the external winding center tap. Node CT0 is also the return line and it connects to Q504 pin 2, and capacitors C503, C504, C505, C506, and C507. The cathode of each of diodes D502 and D503 is connected to resistor R507. R507 is then connected to the pin 1 (input) node of voltage regulator Q504. Voltage regulator Q504 Pin 3 is the 18 vdc regulated DC output is connected to the anode of blocking diode D501. Three-pin voltage regulator Q504 is of the type LM7818 a common device made by a number of manufacturers. Capacitors C503, C505, C506 are 0.1 uF solid dielectric type and are used to filter high frequency ripple and to prevent Q504 from oscillating. The junction of C503, C504 and D501 cathode is the output node CP1+. Isolated 18-volt DC is available between nodes CT0 and CP+. Used for regulator circuits and output switch drive during normal operation.

[0194]FIG. 26A Alternate control power sub-circuit CP1 Sub-circuit CP1 consists of diode D260, resistor R261, transistor Q260, and capacitors C261-C265, and C260. Table Element Value/part number C261-C263 0.33 uF C260 0.1 uF D260 BZX84C16 D261-262 MURS120TS C265 0.33 uf Q260 FTZ605CT C266 0.01 uF L260 1 mh R261 100K ohm R262 10 ohm C264 220 uf

[0195] Node CT1A connects to anode of D261 and to the upper external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT2A connects to anode of D262 and to the lower external center tapped secondary winding. Node BR− connects to the external winding center tap. Node BR− is also the return line and it connects to Q260 emitter, and capacitors C261-C265 and R261. The cathode of diodes D261 and D262 is connected inductor L260 and capacitor 266. The other side of capacitor C266 connects to node FSC. Resistor R262 is then connected between the other side of inductor L260 and node VCC. The junction of R262 and L260 forms node TP15. Node VCC connects the positive terminals of capacitors C260-265, collector of Q260, and cathode of D260. Anode of low leakage zener D260 connects to the base of Q260, resistor R261 and capacitor C260. The zener diode voltage is selected to begin regulation at high boost levels. Thus VCC is allowed to follow the load level as shown by G26 (FIG. 26B). Voltage limiting starts at levels near full load (maximum boost). This is offered by way of example and not limitation. In a 1000-watt converter the VCC limiting is observed with the increase in slope at high output power. This unique behavior has three benefits. First at greater levels of boost (load) additional voltage is automatically provided to the main switch Q1 when maximum gate power is required. Lowering gate voltage at minimal boost reduces the stress on the main switch Q1 gate and associated buffer components, thus enhancing MBTF and efficiency. Second VCC provides an internal load sense signal used to servo the output voltage for load sharing. The load sharing aspects of the design will be taught in FIG. 4A. Third, a signal is available that may be used to communicate load magnitude with out additional current sensors. Diodes D262 and D261 provide rectified power capacitor C226 couples AC voltage to node TP17 of sub-circuit FS1 (FIG. 45). The AC voltage on TP17 inhibits the action of the fast start circuit when the converter is operating. Regulator CP1 is a shunt regulator. The components are selected such that the limiting begins near maximum boost. In this way, power is not wasted at small load levels. Additionally the main switch Q1 gate voltage is modulated to provide additional power at maximum boost insuring maximum efficiency under varying load conditions.

[0196]FIG. 26B is a plot of VCC as a function of output power. Plot G26 was generated by measuring VCC in ACDCPF1 (FIG. 4A) as the load was veried from 0-1000 watts.

[0197]FIG. 27 second Floating 18_Volt DC push-pull control power sub-circuit CPA. Sub-circuit CPA consists of diodes D601, D602 and D603, resistor R607, regulator B604 and capacitors C603, C604, C605, C606, C607 and C608. Table Element Value/part number C603 .33 uF C604 100 uF D601 MURS12OT3 C605 .33 uF Q604 LM7818A C608 100 uF C607 .22 uF R607 7.5 ohms D603 MURS120T3 D602 MURS120T3

[0198] Node CT1B connects to anode of D603 and to the upper external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT2B connects to anode of D602 and to the lower external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT20 connects to the external winding center tap. Node CT0 is also the return line and it connects to Q604 pin 2, and capacitors C603, C604, C605, C606, and C607. The cathode of each of diodes D602 and D603 is connected to resistor R607. R607 is then connected to the pin 1 (input) node of voltage regulator Q604. Voltage regulator Q604 Pin 3 is the 18 vdc regulated DC output and is connected to the anode of blocking diode D601. Capacitors C603, C605, C606 are solid dielectric type and are used to filter high frequency ripple and to prevent Q604 from oscillating. The junction of C603, C604 and D601 cathode is the output node CP1+. Isolated 18-volt DC is available between nodes CT20 and CP2+. To be used for regulator circuits and output switch drive during normal operation.

[0199]FIG. 28 is the main switch over temperature protection sub-circuit OTP. The sub-circuit OTP comprises thermal switch and resistors R711 and R712. Table Element Value/part number THS1 67F105 (105C) R711 20 ohms R712 20 ohms

[0200] Gate drive power is applied to input node GAP and to thermal switch THS1. Maximum FET gate voltage requires the input power voltage be less than 20 volts, the voltage selected was 18 volts. The other side of THS1 is connected to parallel resistors [R711∥R712]. A single resistor may represent the resistors. The figure depicts the surface mount arrangement. The other side of [R711∥R712] connects to output node TS+. Normally closed thermal switch TS1 is in contact with main switch transistor Q1. In the event of temperature greater than 105C THS1 opens, thus removing power to the buffer sub-circuit AMP1 (FIG. 29) causing switch Q1 to default to a blocking state protecting the boost switch should the optional cooling fan fail or the circuit reach high temperatures. In this instant invention the speed up buffer AMP (FIG. 29) non-saturating magnetics (FIGS. 18, 18A and 19) allows the main switch and to run cooler than prior art for a given power level. When switch temperature returns to normal range THS1 will close, allowing the PFC to resume normal operation. Under normal load and ambient temperatures the thermal switch THS1 should never open.

[0201]FIG. 29 PFC Buffer Circuit sub-circuit AMP, AMP1, AMP2, AMP3 switch drive command from PFCLK (FIGS. 23 and 24) or PWFM (FIG. 33) control elements are connected to a gate buffer circuit. The sub-circuit AMP is comprised of power FET Q702, Darlington pair Q703, capacitors C709 and C715, and resistors R710 and R725. Table Element Value/part number C715 1000 pf C709 33 uF Q702 NOS355NCT Q703 FZT705CT R710    0 ohms R725 22.1k ohms

[0202] DC Power is applied to node GA+ to transistor Q702 drain and to capacitor C709, which goes to ground. Maximum gate voltage requires the input power voltage must be less than 20 volts, 18-volts was selected. Input node GA1 is connected to the gate of FET Q702 is connected to the base of BJT1 of the Darlington pair Q703 and to capacitor C715. C715 is connected across the Darlington pair from the base, pin 1, to the collectors, pins 2 and 4, Q703 collector node is also connected to ground. The emitter of BJT2 is connected to the gate of FET Q1. The source of FET Q702 is connected through small optional series resistor R710 to the gate of the output switch or node GA2. Some power FETs under certain load may tend to oscillate when driven from a low impedance source such as this buffer. A small resistance of approximately 2 ohms or less may be required with out significant slowing of the switch. In most cases R710 is replaced with a zero ohm jumper. Resistor R725 is connected from node GA0 and source of Q702. The input switching signal to node GAP is in range of 20 kHz to 600 kHz. Very fast “on” times are realized by proving a low impedance to rapidly charge the output switch gate connected to node GA2. Capacitor C709 provides additional current when Q702 switches on. Transistor Q703 provides low impedance to rapidly remove the charge from the gate greatly reducing the “off” time. This particular topology provides output switch rise times on the order of 10 ns, as compared to the industry standard rise time of 250 ns. The corresponding fall time is <10 nS, again as compared to an industry fall time of 200-300 ns (See FIGS. 13 and 14). In the event the converter is operated at very high ambient temperatures a thermal switch may be placed in series with input power pin GA+. This allows the switch transistor to be gracefully disabled. Sub-circuit AMP greatly reduces switching losses allowing converter operation in some cases with out the common prior art forced air-cooling.

[0203]FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of a snubber sub-circuit of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SN is comprised of diodes D804 and D805 and resistors R800, R817, R818, and capacitors C814 and C819. Table Element Value/part number R800 12 ohms R817 1 mohm R818 1 mohm C814  33 pF C819 560 pF D805 MUR160

[0204] Node SNL2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. Input node SNL2 connects to R800 in series with capacitor C819 to node SNOUT. Diode D805 anode is connected to node SNL2 with resistors [R817∥R818] in parallel with D805. Resistors R817 and R818 may be combined to a single resistor. The cathode of D805 is connected to capacitor C814 that connects to node/pin SNL1. Node SNL1 connects to the supply side of external load magnetic element. The other leg of external magnetic element is connected to the anode of D805 and the anode side of external flyback diode D4. The one MEG ohm resistors R817 and R818 bleed the charge from C814 resetting it for the next cycle. Capacitor C819 and resistor R800 captures the high frequency event from the transition of external flyback diode D4 and moves part of the energy into the external holdup capacitor connected to node SNOUT. Since external flyback diode D4 and D805 isolate the drain of the output switch, faster switching occurs because the output switch does not have to slew the extra capacitance of a typical drain/source connected snubber circuit. Note that this circuit does not attempt to absorb the flyback in large RC networks that convert useful energy to losses. Nor does it attempt to stuff the flyback to ground, adding capacitance and slowing the output switch and increasing switching losses. This sub-circuit is used with it's mirror SNB (FIG. 32) across the external push-pull switches. This design returns the some of the flyback energy back to the input supply or output load. The “snubbering” action slows the rise of the flyback giving time for the external flyback diode to start conduction. The circuit efficiently manages high frequency flyback pulses.

[0205]FIG. 30A is a schematic diagram of a diode snubber sub-circuit of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit DSN is comprised of diodes D51, D52, D53, D54 and D55 and capacitors C51, C52, C53, C54 and C55. Table Element Value/part number C51 220 pf 100 v C52 220 pf 100 v C53 220 pf 100 v C54 220 pf 100 v C55 220 pf 100 v D51 Schottky 1-2ns 100 v SMBSR1010MSCT D52 Schottky 1-2ns 100 v SMBSR1010MSCT D53 Schottky 1-2ns 100 v SMBSR1010MSCT D54 Schottky 1-2ns 100 v SMBSR1010MSCT D55 Schottky 1-2ns 100 v SMBSR1010MSCT

[0206] Pin SNL2 is connected to the anode of D51 the cathode of D51 is connected to the anode of D52 the cathode of D52 is connected to the anode of D53 the cathode of D53 is connected to the anode of D54 the cathode of D54 is connected to the anode of D55 the cathode of D55 is connected to pin SNOUT. Capacitors are connected across each diode forming a series parallel combination of [D51∥C51]+[D52∥C52]+[D53∥C53]+ [D54∥C54]+[D55∥C55]. Node SNL2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. The external fly-back rectifier diode D4 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) anode is connected to node SNL2. Node SNOUT connects to the storage capacitors [C16∥C17] (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) and to the cathode of the flyback diode D4. External diode D4 in parallel with DSN forms a hybrid diode. The Schottky diode has the desirable characteristics of fast recovery time (less than 6 nanoseconds (6*10{circumflex over ( )}-9)) and low forward voltage drop (0.4-0.9 Volts) at high currents. The Schottky diode suffers from limited reverse blocking voltage currently 100 V maximum. Each diode will block 100V; the parallel capacitors distribute the reverse voltage equally across the diode string. As the reverse junction capacitance of each diode is less than 10 pf much smaller than the parallel capacitor. Thus the reverse voltage is nearly equally divided across the diodes. To guarantee even voltage division 5% or better capacitor matching is required. High precision is common and inexpensive for small capacitors. Different blocking voltages may be achieved by adjusting the number of diode/capacitor pairs. By way of example not as a limitation 500V was selected. The main fly-back rectifier diode D4 will block high voltages but suffers from long reverse recovery time 50-500 nanoseconds is common in fast recovery diodes. What is needed is a diode with low voltage drop, high blocking voltage and very short recovery time. The snubber DSN in parallel with the main fly-back rectifier comes very close to that ideal diode. The total blocking voltage is achieved by the adding the individual diode blocking voltages. The recovery time is determined by the slowest diode in the string often less than 5 nanoseconds. The low forward voltage drop is achieved when the slower main rectifier begins conduction. Low capacitance is also realized, as the capacitance is ⅕ of the individual capacitors. This hybrid diode begins rectification immediately after the main switch stops conduction and the non-saturating magnetic begins releasing its energy. This effectively limits the high voltage flyback over shoot to less than 40-70 volts. This keeps the switch well inside it's safe operating area (SOA) allowing the switch to be run at higher voltages for higher output power and additional efficiency gain, or to use a less expensive lower voltage switch while keeping the same voltage margins. Since external flyback diode D4 and D805 isolate the drain of output switch, faster switching occurs because the output switch does not have to slew the extra capacitance of the typical snubber circuit. Note that this circuit does not attempt to absorb the flyback in large RC networks that generate additional heat. Nor does it attempt to stuff the flyback to ground, adding capacitance and slowing the output switch, increasing switching losses. Sub-circuit DSN may be used in parallel with any slower rectifier such as flyback diode D4 to assist the main rectifier. This providing additional protection to the switch and rectifying the portion of the flyback pulse before the main rectifier begins condition. That high frequency energy ends up as heat or radiated noise.

[0207]FIG. 30B is a schematic diagram of an alternate snubber sub-circuit SNBB of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SNBB is comprised of resistor R310 and capacitor C821. Table Element Value/part number R821 470 pF R310 12 ohm

[0208] Node SNL2 connects through capacitor C821 to resistor R821 to node SNOUT. Node SNOUT connects to the cathode of the flyback diode. Node SNL2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. The “snubbering” action slows the rise of the flyback giving time for the external rectifier diode(s) to begin conduction.

[0209]FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a snubber sub-circuit of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SNA is comprised of resistor R810 and R811 and capacitors C820 and C821. Table Element Value/part number C820 330 pF C821 330 pF R810 12 ohm R811 12 ohm

[0210] Node SNAL connects to series resistor R810 to capacitor C820 to node SNA2 then to capacitor C821 and series resistor R811 to node SNA3. Node SNAL connects to the external magnetic element center tap. Node SNA2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. Node SNA3 connects to the source terminal of the external output switch. Resistor R810 and C820 attempt to absorb part of the flyback to reduce voltage transients across the switch. Part of the flyback is returned to ground by C821. This sub-circuit is used with its mirror SNA (FIG. 31) across the external push-pull switches. The “snubbering” action slows the rise of the flyback giving time for the external rectifier diodes D80 and D90 of FIG. 25 or 25A to start conduction. The circuit efficiently manages high frequency flyback pulses.

[0211]FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of a snubber sub-circuit of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SNB comprises resistor R820 and R821 and capacitors C840 and C841. Table Element Value/part number C840 500 pF C841 500 pF R820 12 ohm R821 12 ohm

[0212] Node SNB1 connects to series resistor R820 to capacitor C820 to node SNA2 to capacitor C841 and to series resistor R821 to node SNB3. Node SNB1 connects to the external magnetic element center tap. Node SNB2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. Node SNB3 connects to the source terminal of the external output switch. Resistor R820 and C840 attempt to absorb part of the high frequency flyback to reduce voltage transients across the switch. C841 and R821 return part of the flyback to ground. The “snubbering” action slows the rise of the flyback giving time for the external rectifier diodes D80 and D90 of FIG. 25 or 25A to start conduction. The circuit efficiently manages high frequency flyback pulses.

[0213]FIG. 33 is the inventions PWM (pulse width modulator) and FM (frequency modulator) sub-circuit. Sub-circuit PWFM consists of resistors R401, R402, R403, and R404 capacitors C401, C402, C403, C404, C405 and C406, controller IC U400 and diode D401. Table Element Value/part number R404 50k ohms C406  100 uf C401 0.22 uF C403 0.01 uF C405 2200 pF C404  470 pF C402 0.22 uF R403  50k ohms D401 RLS139 (low leakage) R401 2.2 MEG ohms R402 150k ohms U400 MIC38C43

[0214] Control element U400 connects to a circuit with the following series connections: from pin 1 to feedback pin PW1 then to the wiper of adjustable resistor R404 to return node PWFM0. Resistor R404 may be replaced with two fixed resistors. Capacitor C403 is connected from pin 2 to pin 1. Capacitor C403 is used to filter the error amp output. The upper half of resistor R404 is connected to node REF1 pin 8 the 5.0-Volt internal reference. Internal 5.0-volt reference U400 pin 8 or Node REF1 is connected to the upper half of resistor R403 and through capacitor C402 to return node PWFM0. The reference provides current to external feed back networks. Wiper of R403 connects to node FM1 to pin 4, through R402 to pin 3, and through C404 to return node PWFM0. Resistor R403 may be replaced with two fixed resistors. Pulse width timing capacitor C404 connects pin 3 to return node PWFM0. Low leakage diode D401 anode is connected to pin 3 cathode to output pin 6 node CLK. Resistor R404 sets the nominal pulse width of output pin 6 node CLK. The pulse width can be adjusted from 0 (off) to 95%. Resistor R403 and C404 determine the nominal operating frequency. With application of power 20-volts between Nodes PWFM+ and PWFM0 controller U400 generates an internal 5.0 reference voltage to pin 7 node REF1. Output pin 6 node CLK is set high approximately 20-volts (see oscillograph trace G6 segment 60 FIG. 34). C404 starts to charge through R401 until the voltage across C404 at pin 3 reaches the comparator level (see oscillograph trace G1 segment 61 FIG. 34) at resetting the pin 6 low (see oscillograph trace G6 segment 62 FIG. 34). Capacitor C404 rapidly discharges though D401 (see oscillograph trace G1 segment 63 FIG. 34). Pin 3 remains 0.6-volts above PWFM0 node during the period pin 6 is low (see oscillograph trace G1 segment 64 FIG. 34). On the rising edge of pin 6 capacitor C405 begins to rapidly charge until the voltage in pin 4 reaches the internal comparator level (see oscillograph trace G4 segment 65 FIG. 34). The comparator triggers internal transistor to rapidly discharge C404 (see oscillograph trace G4 segment 66 FIG. 34). The cycle repeats with output pin 6 being set high. External feedback current applied to U400 pin 1 and node PW1 (see oscillograph trace Gl segment FIG. 34) follows the actual output voltage. Oscillograph trace G1 segment 67 (FIG. 34) is the period when the output switch conducting storing energy in the NSME. Oscillograph trace G1 segment 68 (FIG. 34) is the period when the output switch is off allowing storing energy in the NSME to be transferred to the storage capacitor. Application of external current source or feed back network to pin 1 or node PW1 allows the pulse width to be modulated. Removing current from PW1 lowers the comparator level causing the comparator to trigger at lower voltages across C404 reducing the pulse width. Introducing current into node PW1 increases pulse width from nominal to maximum of 95%. Resistor R404 and C404 determine the nominal pulse width. This design allows the CLK output to be pulse width modulated. Application of external feed back network to pin 4 or node FW1 allows the frequency to be modulated. Removing current from FW1 slows the charging of C405. Longer charging time lowers the frequency from the nominal setting. This arrangement allows the CLK output to frequency modulated. When used with a resonant controller, R403 and C405 determine the nominal frequency typically equal to the tank resonant frequency. The external feedback is configured to lower the frequency from nominal (maximum output) to zero frequency “off”. When used as a pulse-width controller the nominal is set to maximum pulse width of about 90% feedback reduces the pulse-width. Sub-circuit PWFM may be simultaneously frequency and pulse width modulated. This configuration and mode of operation is unique to this instant invention. Feeding back of the output to the error amplifier is a unique mode of operation for control element U400. Sub-circuit PWFM combines large dynamic range, precise control and fast response.

[0215]FIG. 34 Oscillograph traces of the PWFM (FIG. 33) controller in the pulse-width modulation mode.

[0216]FIG. 35 Oscillograph trace of the TCTP (FIG. 8) resonant converter primary voltage. FIG. 35 is an oscillograph trace of the voltage developed across capacitor C10 (FIG. 8). In this embodiment the supply VBAT was only 18-volts.

[0217] The primary 100 (FIG. 18) inductance 203 uH was achieved by 55 turns on a 26 u 2.28 oz. KoolMu magnetic element 101. The secondary winding 103 (FIG. 18) is 15 turns on core 101. A 5.5-watt load is connected to winding 103. The NSME primary 100 (FIG. 18) developed an excitation voltage of 229 volts peak more than 10 times VBAT. Tank converters TCTP and TCSSC (FIG. 7) take advantage of the desirable properties of the non-saturating magnetic to develop large flux biases. The useful large flux may harvested into useful power by addition of “flux nets” windings to the magnetic element.

[0218]FIG. 36 Regulated 18_Volt DC control power sub-circuit REG. Sub-circuit REG consists of resistor R517, regulator Q514 and capacitors C514, C515, C516, C518, and C517. Table Element Value/part number Q514 LM7818 C515 0.1 uF C517 0.1 uF C514  10 uF C518  10 uF

[0219] Pin REG0 connects to the external power source return. Node REG0 is also the return line it connects to Q514 pin 2, and capacitors C518, C514, C515, and C517. Resistor R517 is connected to the pin 1 (input) node of voltage regulator Q514 and to input pin RIN+. Voltage regulator Q514 Pin 3 is the 18 vdc regulated DC output is connected to the capacitors C515, C514 and output pin 18V. Capacitors C515, C517 are solid dielectric type is used to filter high frequency ripple and to prevent Q514 from oscillating. Sub-circuit REG provides regulated power for control circuits and output switch buffer AMP (FIG. 29).

[0220]FIG. 37 is a schematic for a non-isolated high side switch buck converter sub-circuit HSBK. FIG. 37 is a non-isolated high side switch buck converter sub-circuit HSBK. This converter topology consists of a non-isolated high efficiency buck stage, which provides regulated power to an efficient push-pull isolation stage. Sub-circuit HSBK consists of diode D8, capacitor C8, FET transistor Q31, sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8), sub-circuit BL1 (FIG. 18B), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29) and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number C68 250 uf D68 MUR820 Q31 IRF540N

[0221] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. Pin DCIN+ connects to transistor Q31 source, sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, and sub-circuit IFB pin FBE, sub-circuit TCTP pins DCIN+ and B−. Regulated 18-volt output from sub-circuit TCTP pin B+ connects to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. This provides the positive gate drive relative to the source of Q31. Power source VBAT return is connected to pin DCIN−, sub-circuit TCTP pin DCIN−, diode D68 anode, capacitor C68, RLOAD, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT−, output pin B− and ground/return node GND. Sub-circuit PWFM is designed for adjustable pulse-width operation from 0 to 90%, maximum pulse width occurs with no feedback current to pin PW1. Increasing the feedback current reduces the pulse-width and output voltage from converter HSBK. Sub-circuit PWFM clock/PWM output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP. The output of sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q31. The drain of Q31 is connected to sub-circuit BL1 pin P1B and the cathode of D68. Pin P1A of sub-circuit BL1 is connected to capacitor C8, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and RLOAD. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q31. Switch Q31 conducts charging capacitor C68 through NSME BL1 from source VBAT and storing energy in BL1. Feedback output pin FBC from sub-circuit IFB is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. As the output voltage reaches the designed level sub-circuit IFB removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or on time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PWFM switches output pin CLK low turning off Q31 stopping the current into BL1. The stored energy is released from NSME BL1 into the now forward biased diode D68 charging capacitor C68. By modulating the on time of switch Q31 the converter “bucks” applied voltage and efficiently regulates to a lower voltage. Regulated voltage is developed across Nodes B− and B+. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback voltage to the sub-circuit PWFM. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes B+ and B−) is at the designed voltage more current is conducted by the phototransistor. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus reducing the converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q31 is removed stopping all buck activity capacitor C68 discharges through RLOAD. Input current from VBAT is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. As such the switch Q31 is not exposed to large current spikes common to saturating magnetic prior art. Thus placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit HSBK takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology.

[0222]FIG. 38 is a schematic for an isolated two-stage low side switch buck converter sub-circuit LSBKPP. This converter topology consists of a high efficiency low-side switch buck stage, which provides regulated power to an efficient push-pull isolation stage. An efficient center-tap fullwave rectifier provides rectification. Sub-circuit LSBKPP consists of diode D46, capacitor C46, FET transistor Q141, sub-circuit REG (FIG. 36), sub-circuit OUTB (FIG. 25A), sub-circuit BL1 (FIG. 18B), sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), sub-circuit DCAC1, and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number C46 250 uf D46 MUR820 Q141 IRF540N

[0223] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. From pin DCIN+ connects to sub-circuit REG pin RIN+, D46 cathode, capacitor C46, sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8) pin DCIN+, and sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC+. Voltage regulator sub-circuit REG output pin +18V connects to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit REG provides regulated low voltage power to the controller and to the main switch buffer. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− and ground return node GND. Node GND connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, Q141 source, sub-circuit IFB pin FBE, sub-circuit REG pin REG0 and sub-circuit TCTP pin DCIN−. Sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33) is designed for variable pulse width operation. The nominal frequency is between 20-600 Khz PWFM is configured for maximum pulse width 90% (maximum buck voltage) with no feedback current from sub-circuit IFB. Increasing the feedback current reduces the Q141 on time reducing the voltage to the push-pull stage and the output from converter LSBKPP. Sub-circuit PWFM clock output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). The output of switch speed up buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q141. Floating isolated 18-volt power from sub-circuit TCTP pin B+ connects to sub-circuit DCAC1 pin P18V. The drain of Q141 is connected to sub-circuit BL1 pin P1A and the anode of D46. The return line of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC− connects to sub-circuit BL1 pin P1B, sub-circuit TCTP pin B− and C46. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q141. Switch Q141 conducts reverse biasing diode D46; capacitor C46 starts charging through NSME BL1 from source VBAT. During the time Q141 is conducting, energy is stored in NSME sub-circuit BL1. Charging C46 provides power to final push-pull converter stage DCAC1. The output of the output rectifier sub-circuit OUTB is connected to feedback sub-circuit IFB output pin FBC from sub-circuit IFB is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. Sub-circuit IFB removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or on time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PFFM switches CLK low turning off Q141 stopping the current into BL1. The energy is released from NSME BL1 into the now forward biased flyback diode D46 charging capacitor C46. By modulating the on time of switch Q141 the converter voltage is regulated. Regulated voltage is developed across C46 Nodes DC+ and GND. Providing energy to the isolated constant frequency push-pull DC to AC converter sub-circuit DCAC1 (FIG. 2). Sub-circuit DCAC1 provides efficient conversion of the regulated buck voltage to a higher or lower voltage set by the magnetic element winding sub-circuit PPT1 (FIG. 19) ratio. The center tap of the push-pull output magnetic is connected to, sub-circuit OUTB pin OUT−, RLOAD, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and the pin OUT− forming the return line for the load and feedback network. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACH is connected to sub-circuit OUTB pin C7B. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACL is connected to sub-circuit OUTB pin C8B. Sub-circuit OUTB provides rectification of the AC power generated by sub-circuit DCAC1. As the non-saturation magnetic converter is very quite minimal filtering is required by OUTB. This further reduces cost and improves efficiency as losses to filter components are minimized. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback current to the sub-circuit PWFM. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes OUT+ and OUT−) is greater than the designed/desired voltage, current is removed from node PW1. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus increasing the buck action and reducing the first stage converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q141 is removed stopping all buck activity capacitor discharging C46. Input current from VBAT to charge C46 is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switch Q141 is not exposed a potentially destructive current spike. Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit LSBKPP takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. Adjusting the NSME BL1 (FIG. 18B) sets the amount of buck voltage available to the final push-pull isolation stage. Greater efficiencies are achieved at higher voltages. The final output voltage is set by the turns ratio of the push-pull element PPT1 (FIG. 19). Converter LSBKPP provides efficient conversion from high voltage sources into high current isolated output.

[0224]FIG. 39 is a schematic for an isolated two-stage low side switch buck converter sub-circuit LSBKPPBR. This converter topology consists of a non-isolated high efficiency low-side switch buck stage, which provides regulated power to an efficient push-pull isolation stage. A fullwave bridge rectifier provides rectification. Sub-circuit LSBKPPBR consists of diode D6, capacitor C6, FET transistor Q11l, sub-circuit REG (FIG. 36), sub-circuit OUTBB (FIG. 25B), sub-circuit BL1 (FIG. 18B), sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8), sub-circuit IFB (FIG. 40B), sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29), sub-circuit DCAC1 (FIG. 2), and sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Table Element Value/part number C6 250 uf D6 MUR820 Q111 IRFP

[0225] External power source VBAT connects to pins DCIN+ and DCIN−. From pin DCIN+ connects to sub-circuit REG pin RIN+, D6 cathode, capacitor C6, sub-circuit TCTP (FIG. 8) pin DCIN+, and sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC+. Voltage regulator sub-circuit REG output pin +18V connects to sub-circuit AMP pin GA+ and to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM+. Sub-circuit REG provides regulated low voltage power to the controller and to the main switch buffer. VBAT negative is connected to pin DCIN− connects to sub-circuit PWFM pin PWFM0, sub-circuit AMP pin GA0, Q111 source, sub-circuit IFB pin FBE, sub-circuit REG pin REG0, sub-circuit TCTP pin DCIN−. Sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33) is designed for variable pulse width operation. The nominal frequency is between 20-600 Khz PWFM is configured for maximum pulse width 90% (maximum buck voltage) with no feedback current from sub-circuit IFB. Increasing the feedback current reduces the Q111 on time reducing the voltage to the push-pull stage and the output from converter LSBKPPBR. Sub-circuit PWFM clock output pin CLK is connected to the input pin GA1 of buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). The output of switch speed up buffer sub-circuit AMP pin GA2 is connected to the gate of Q111. Floating isolated 18-volt power from sub-circuit TCTP pin B+ connects to sub-circuit DCAC1 pin P18V. The drain of Q111 is connected to sub-circuit BL1 pin PA1 and the anode of D6. The return line of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin DC− connects to sub-circuit BL1 pin PIB, sub-circuit TCTP pin B− and C6. With sub-circuit PWFM pin CLK high buffer AMP output pin GA2 charges the gate of transistor switch Q111. Switch Q111 conducts reverse biasing diode D6; capacitor C6 starts charging through NSME BL1 from source VBAT. During the time Q111 is conducting, energy is stored in NSME sub-circuit BL1. Charging C6 provides power to final push-pull converter stage DCAC1. The output of the output rectifier sub-circuit OUTBB is connected to feedback sub-circuit IPB output pin FBC from sub-circuit IFB is connected to sub-circuit PWFM pulse-width adjustment pin PW1. Sub-circuit IFB removes current from PW1 commanding PWFM to reduce the pulse-width or on time of signal CLK. After sub-circuit PWFM reaches the commanded pulse-width PFFM switches CLK low turning off Q111 stopping the current into BL1. The energy is released from NSME BL1 into the now forward biased flyback diode D6 charging capacitor C6. By modulating the on time of switch Q111 the converter voltage is regulated. Regulated voltage is developed across C6 nodes DC+ and DC−. Providing energy to the isolated constant frequency push-pull DC to AC converter sub-circuit DCAC1 (FIG. 2). Sub-circuit DCAC1 provides efficient conversion of the regulated buck voltage to a higher or lower voltage set by the magnetic element winding sub-circuit PPT1 (FIG. 19) ratio. The return node of the sub-circuit OUTBB pin OUT− is connected to RLOAD, sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACO, sub-circuit IFB pin OUT− and the pin OUT−. Node OUT− is the return line for the load and feedback network. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACH is connected to sub-circuit OUTBB pin C7B. Output of sub-circuit DCAC1 pin ACL is connected to sub-circuit OUTBB pin C8B. Sub-circuit OUTBB provides rectification of the AC power generated by sub-circuit DCAC1. As the disclosed non-saturation magnetic converter has minimal output ripple, less filtering is required by OUTBB. This further reduces cost and improves efficiency as losses in filter components are minimized. Sub-circuit IFB provides the isolated feedback current to the sub-circuit PWFM. Open collector output of IFB pin FBC connects to PWFM pin PW1. When sub-circuit IFB senses the converter output (nodes OUT+ and OUT−) is greater than the designed/desired voltage, current is removed from node PW1. Sinking current from PW1 commands the PWFM to a shorter pulse-width thus increasing the buck action and reducing the first stage converter output voltage. In the event the feedback signal from IFB commands the PWFM to minimum output. Gate drive to switch Q111 is removed stopping all buck activity capacitor discharging C6. As the NSME does not saturate the destructive noisy current spikes common to prior art are absent. Input current from VBAT to charge C6 is sinusoidal making the converter very quiet. In addition the switch Q111 is not exposed a potentially destructive current spike. Placing less stress on the switches thereby increasing the MTBF. Sub-circuit LSBKPPBR takes advantage of the desirable properties of the NSME in this converter topology. Adjusting the NSME BL1 (FIG. 18B) sets the amount of buck voltage available to the final push-pull isolation stage. Greater efficiencies are achieved at higher voltages. The final output voltage is set by the turns ratio of the push-pull element PPT1 (FIG. 19). Converter LSBKPPBR provides efficient conversion from high voltage sources such as high power factor AC to DC converters such as sub-circuit ACDCPF (FIG. 4).

[0226]FIG. 40 is the schematic of the inventions isolated over voltage feed back network sub-circuit IPFFB. Sub-circuit IPFFB consists of Resistors R926, R927, R928, R929 and R930, capacitor C927, zener diodes D928 and D903, transistor Q915 and opto-isolator U903. Table Element Value/part number U903 NEC2501 Q915 FZT705CT D903 ML5248B (18 v) D928 1SMB5956BT3 (200 v) R926 20k ohms R927 10k ohms R928 10k ohms R929 10k ohms R930 20k ohms

[0227] Node PF+ connects through resistor R927 to cathode of D903 and anode of opto-isolator U903. Cathode of diode D903 is connected to pin PF+. Resistor R928 is connected from anode of D928 to base of Q915. Capacitor C927 is connected in parallel with zener diode D903. Resistor R928 limits maximum base current. Resistor R929 is connected between base and emitter of Q915. Resistor R929 is used to shunt excess zener leakage current from the base common in high voltage diodes. Two hundred-volt zener diode cathodes D928 are connected to pin PF+. Anode of D928 is connected to R930 and R928. Resistor R930 provides a path for leakage current from 200-volt zener D928. Resistor R926 limits the maximum current to U903 internal light emitting diode to about 10 ma. Resistor R927 sets the maximum zener current at maximum boost voltage of approximately 200-volts to 20 ma. Transistor Q915 is biased off when the voltage from node PF+ and PF− is less than the zener voltage of 200-volts. Transistor is in a cutoff or non-conducting state no current is injected to U903 LED. The internal phototransistor is also in a non-conducting state. The attached external control sub-circuit is not commanded to change its output. With 200 volts or more applied to nodes PF+ and PF− reverse biased zener diode D928 injects current into the base of Q915. Resistor R927, capacitor C927 and diode D903 provide 18-volts to the collector of Q915. Transistor Q915 conducts current into U903 LED injecting base current into the U903 phototransistor. Modulating the LED current is reflected as variable impedance between FBC and FBE. This phototransistor may be connected as a variable current source or impedance. This sub-circuit senses excessive boost voltage and quickly feeds back to the control sub-circuit (See PFA (FIG. 23), PFB (FIG. 24) or (PWFM FIG. 33) automatically reducing the boost voltage.

[0228]FIG. 40A is a schematic diagram of the non-isolated boost output voltage feed back sub-circuit FBA. Sub-circuit FBA consists of Resistors R1120, R1121, R1122, R1123 and R1124. Table Element Value/part number R1123  499k ohms R1124  499k ohms R1122 6.65k ohms R1121  499k ohms R1120  1 MEG ohms

[0229] Input node PF+ connected to series resistor [R1123+R1124] then to parallel resistors [R20∥R21∥R22] to the return node BR−. Resistors R1120, R1121, R1122, R1123 and R1124 values are selected for a nominal input voltage of 385-volts and output feed back voltage of 3.85. (See oscillograph G1 FIG. 34) Resistors R1120, R1121, R1122, R1123 and R1124 are shown in surface mount configuration but can be combined into two thru hole-resistors. Feedback output node PF1 is connected to node PF1 of sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24). Return pin BR− is connected to BR− of PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24). Nodes FBE and FBC it may also be connected between nodes FM1 pin PWFM0 or PW1 pin PWFM0 of control sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33).

[0230]FIG. 40B is the schematic of the inventions isolated low voltage feed back network sub-circuit FBA. Sub-circuit IFB consists of Resistors R900, R901 and R902, zener diode D900, Darlington transistor Q900 and opto-isolator U900. Table Element Value/part number U900 NEC2501 Q900 FZT705CT D900 IN5261BDICT R900  1k ohms R902  4k ohms R901 40k ohms

[0231] Node OUT+ connects cathode of D900 to R901. Anode of diode D900 is connected to series resistor R900 to base of Darlington transistor Q900. Resistor R902 is connected from base to emitter to Q900. Resistor R901 connects to anode of opto-isolator U900 LED (light emitting diode) the cathode is connected to Q900 collector. Emitter of Q900 is the return current path and connects to pin/node OUT−. Resistor R901 limits the maximum current to U900 internal light emitting diode to 20 ma. Resistor R902 shunts some of the zener leakage current from the base. Zener diode voltage selection sets the converter output voltage a typical value maybe 48-volts. The zener voltage is the final desired output minus two base emitter junction drops (1.4V). Once the OUT+ node reaches the zener voltage a small base current biases Q900 into a conducting state turning “on” opto-isolator U900 internal LED. Resistor R900 limits the maximum base current to Q900. Resistors R900 and R901 are selected to bias Darlington transistor Q900 collector current with nominal voltage across nodes OUT+ and OUT−. Change in voltage between OUT+ and OUT− modulates the opto-isolator U900 LED current in turn changing the base current of U900 internal photo transistor. Phototransistor emitter is node FBE collector is node FBC. Modulating the LED current is reflected as variable impedance between FBC and FBE. This phototransistor may be connected as a variable current source or impedance. When used with control sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23), PFB (FIG. 24) or (PWFM FIG. 33) the phototransistor is connected as a current shunt. Higher voltage applied to OUT+ and OUT− nodes increases the feedback shunt current commanding the control sub-circuit (See PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24) or PWFM (FIG. 33) to reduce the pulse-width or frequency. IFB accomplishes high speed feed back due to the very high gain of the Darlington transistor and the rapid response of the internal converter stage(s) active ripple reduction and excellent load regulation are achieved.

[0232]FIG. 40C is the schematic of the alternate PFC isolated over voltage feed back network sub-circuit IOVFB. Sub-circuit IOVFB consists of resistors of R917, R938, R939 and R940, diode D911, Darlington transistor Q914 and opto-isolator U905. Table Element Value/part number U905 NEC2501 Q914 FZT705CT R938 160k ohms R939  70k ohms D911 1N5261BOTCT R940  50k ohms R917  40k ohms

[0233] The output of the PFC at pin PF+ is connected to R917 then to collector of Q914. Resistor R917 sets the maximum current to U905 light emitting diode. Resistor R938 is connected from return node PF+ to zener diode D911 cathode and R938. Resistor R939 is connected from return node PF− to zener diode D911 cathode and R938. Anode of D911 is connected to wiper arm of adjustable resistor R940. One leg of R940 is connected to the base of transistor Q914 the other to R939 and U905 LED anode and R939. Emitter of Q914 is connected to anode of U904. Adjustable resistor R940 sets the maximum or trip voltage before transistor Q914 is biased on. Providing current to U905 LED. Phototransistor emitter is node FBE collector is node FBC. Modulating the LED current is reflected as variable impedance between FBC and FBE. This phototransistor is normally connected as a shunt to force the control element to a minimum output. This sub-circuit senses the boost voltage and feeds back to the PFC. Where excessive boost voltage forces the PFC to automatically reduce the boost voltage.

[0234]FIG. 40D is a schematic diagram of and alternate for the non-isolated boost output voltage feed back sub-circuit FBD Sub-circuit FBD consists of Resistors R1120, R1121, R1122, R1123 and R1124. Table Element Value/part number R1123,  499k ohms R1124 R1122 1.00k ohms R1121 1.00k ohms R1123 66.5k ohms R1120 6.65k ohms

[0235] Input node PF+ connected to series resistor [R1123+R1124] then to parallel resistors [R1122∥R1121]. The other side of [R1122∥R1121] is connected to wiper arm of R1121 and through to [R1123∥R1120] to the return node BR−. Resistor values are selected for a nominal input voltage of 385-volts. Resistors R1120-R1124 are shown in a surface mount configuration but, can be combined into other series parallel combinations to form other equivalent circuits. Feedback output node PF1 is connected to node PF1 of sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24). Return pin BR− is connected to BR− of PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24). Nodes FBE and FBC may also be connected between nodes FM1 pin PWFM0 or PW1 pin PWFM0 of control sub-circuit PWFM (FIG. 33). Component values are selected to provide a 15-volt adjustment range.

[0236]FIG. 41 is the schematic of the alternate low voltage feed back network sub-circuit FBI. Sub-circuit FBI consists of Resistors R81, R82 and R83, zener diode D80, NPN transistor Q80 and capacitor C80. Table Element Value/part number R81  1k ohms D80 Zener Voltage = (Desired Output − 0.65 V) Q80 BCX70KCT C80 1000 pf R82  1k ohms R83 715k ohms

[0237] Node OUT+ connects cathode of D80. Anode of diode D80 is connected to through resistor R83 to OUT− and resistor R82 to base of transistor Q80. Capacitor C80 is connected from base to pin OUT−. Capacitor C80 bypasses high frequency to noise to OUT−. Resistor R81 is connected from emitter of Q80 to node OUT−. Resistor R81 adds local negative feedback to reduces the effects of variation in transistor gain. Collector of Q80 is connected to pin FBC. The return current node connects to pins FBE and OUT−. Resistor R82 limits the maximum base current protecting Q80. Resistor R83 shunts some of the zener leakage current from the base. Zener diode voltage selection sets the converter output voltage a typical value maybe 48-volts. The zener voltage is the final desired output minus one base emitter junction drop (0.65-Volts). When the OUT+ node reaches the nominal level reverse biased zener starts to conduct injecting a small base current into Q80. Biasing transistor into a conducting state. Change in voltage between OUT+ and OUT− modulates Q80 collector current. During normal operation the zener diode is biased at it's knee thus small changes in voltage result in relatively large collector current changes. When sub-circuit FBI used with control sub-circuit PFA (FIG. 23), PFB (FIG. 24) or (FIG. 33) the transistor is connected as a current shunt. Higher voltage applied to OUT+ and OUT− nodes increases the feedback shunt current commanding the control sub-circuit (See PFA (FIG. 23) or PFB (FIG. 24) or PWFM (FIG. 33) to reduce the pulse-width or frequency. Sub-circuit FBI provides high-speed feedback and gain to ripple components. With the rapid response of the internal converter stage(s) active ripple reduction and excellent load regulation are achieved.

[0238]FIG. 41A is the schematic of an alternate over voltage feed back network sub-circuit FB2. Sub-circuit FB2 consists of Resistors R419, R418, R414 and R410, zener diode D410, and NPN transistors Q414 and Q413. Table Element Value/part number R414   22k ohms D410 BZX84C10 Q413-Q414 FMMT2222ACT R418 25.5K ohms R410, R419  499k ohms

[0239] Node PF+ connects to series resistors R410+R419+R418 then to common or ground forming voltage divider. The junction of R418 and R419 connects to collector of Q414 and cathode of Zener diode D410. Diode D410 anode connects to base of transistor Q414. Emitter of Q414 connects to base of Q413 and through resistor R414 to ground. Emitter of Q413 is also connected to ground. Collector of Q413 connects to node PF2 for connection to regulator sub-circuit PFB pin2. Resistors R410, R419, R418 and D410 are selected to forward bias transistors Q413 and Q414 when node PF+exceeds 450VDC relative to common. This regulates the boost activity until the fault condition subsides providing fast reliable alternative regulation thus meeting UL test requirements.

[0240]FIG. 42 is the schematic of the inventions over voltage protection embodiment sub-circuit OVP. Sub-circuit OVP consists of SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) SCR1200, resistor R1200, capacitor C1200 and zener diodes D1200, D1202 and D1203. Table Element Value/part number SCR1200 MCR265-10 D1203 BZT03-C200 (200 V) D1202 BZT03-C200 (200 V) D1200 IN4753 (5.1 v) C1200 220 pf R1200 10,0k ohms

[0241] Input pin PF+ is connected to cathode of zener diode D1203, anode of D1203 is connected to series zener diodes [D1202+D1200] then to gate of SCR1200. Noise attenuation network of [R1200∥C1200] is connected from SCR SCR1200 gate to the return node BR−. Diodes D1102 and D1103 are both 200-volt; D1101 is a 5.1-volt type the sum of the zener voltages set the trip point of the OVP at 405-volts. Other trip voltages may be implemented by selecting other zener diode combinations. Capacitor C1200 and R1200 prevents leakage current and transients from accidentally tripping the OVP. In the event of very high AC line voltages or a component failure in a feed back loop (FIGS. 40A, 40B, 40C or 40) The boost voltage may quickly rise increase to levels dangerous to the output switch or output storage capacitors. When the output boost voltage of the at node PF+ rises above 405V, zener diodes D1203, D1202 and D1200 conduct a small current into the gate of SCR1200 turning SCR1200 on. Turning SCR1200 on places a low impedance path across the AC line through the rectifier sub-circuit BR (FIG. 22). SCR1200 and bridge rectifier diodes must be selected to withstand the short circuit currents that may exceed 100 amperes until the input fuse opens. Thus quickly limiting the boost output voltage to a safe level. This circuit should never operate under normal AC line voltages. By changing zener voltages this sub-circuit would also be suitable for use in the across the rectifier output to protect the load from an over voltage condition. Sub-circuits OVP1 shuts down the converter with out opening the line fuse. Sub-circuit OVP may be used in combination with OVP1 (FIG. 42A) as a fail-safe back up for critical loads.

[0242]FIG. 4A is the schematic of the inventions over voltage protection embodiment sub-circuit OVP1. Sub-circuit OVP1 consists of SCRs (silicon controlled rectifier) SCR1101 and SCR1100, resistors R1101 and R1102, capacitors C1100 and C1101 and zener diodes D1100, D1102 and D1103. Table Element Value/part number SCR1101 S101E (Teccor) SCR1100 S601E (Teccor) D1103 BZT03-C200 (200 V) D1102 BZT03-C200 (200 V) D1100 IN4753 (5.1 v) R1100 16000 R1101 5.1K ohms R1102 5.1K ohms C1100 1200 pf C1101 1200 pf

[0243] Anode of SCR1100 is node/pin CP18V+ that is connected to external control DC source. Return node BR− is connected to SCR1101 cathode and capacitor C1100. Input node PF+ is connected to cathode of zener diode D1103 and to series resistor R1100 then to anode of SCR SCR1101. The anode of D1103 is connected to the cathode of D1102. The anode of D1102 is connected to the cathode of D1100. The anode of D1100 is connected to the gate of SCR1101. The anode of D1103 is connected to series zener diodes [D1102+D1100] then to capacitor C1100 then to the return node BR−. Capacitor [C1200∥R1200] prevents leakage current and transients from accidentally tripping OVPB. In the event of very high AC line voltages or a component failure in a feed back loop (IPFFB FIG. 40A, FBA FIG. 40B, IFB FIG. 40C or FBI FIG. 41) The boost voltage may quickly rise increase to levels dangerous to the output switch or output storage capacitors. When the output boost voltage of the at node PF+ rises above 405V, zener diodes D1103, D1102 and D1100 conduct a small current into the gate of SCR1101 latching SCR1101 on. Resistor R1100 provides holding current for SCR1101. Turning SCR1101 on provides gate current to SCR1100, resistors R1100 and R1101 limit gate current. With gate current to SCR1100 the SCR is turned on providing a low impedance path from nodes CP18V+ to BR−. This action removes the regulated power to the main switch buffer and or PWM controllers PFA (FIG. 23) or PWFM (FIG. 33) and or buffer AMP (FIG. 29) thus turning off the main switch. The converter is held in an off state until boost voltage PF+ through R1100 can not maintain the holding current of SCR1101. Typically power must be removed from the system to reset SCR1101. The minimum holding current of SCR1101 is typically 5-10 ma. The action of OVPL quickly limits the boost output voltage to a safe level. This circuit should never operate under normal AC line voltages. By changing zener voltages this sub-circuit would also be suitable for use across the output rectifier to protect the load from an over voltage condition. Sub-circuit OVP1 gracefully shuts down the converter requiring manual intervention to reset the fault.

[0244]FIG. 42B is the schematic of the isolated output over voltage feed back network sub-circuit OVP2. Sub-circuit OVP2 consists of resistors of R970, R971, and R972, capacitor C970, zener diode D970, SCR SCR970, Darlington transistor Q970 and opto-isolator U970. Table Element Value/part number D970 1N5261BOTCT U970 NEC2501 Q970 FZT705CT R970 160k ohms R971  10k ohms R972  22k ohms C970 200 pf

[0245] The output of the converter at pin OUT+ is connected to R972 and to the cathode of zener diode D970. The anode of D970 is connected to series resistor R970 then to base of Q970 and capcitor C970. Resistor R970 sets the maximum base current to Q970. Resistor R971 is connected between the anode of D970 and return node OUT−. Anode of light emitting diode U970 is connected to resistor R972 then to OUT+. The cathode of U970 LED is connected to Q980 collector. Emitter of Q980 is connected to return node OUT− and second side of capacitor C970. Zener diode D960 sets the maximum or trip voltage before transistor Q970 is biased on providing current to U970 LED. Application of voltage greater than the zener voltage of D970 injects a small base current into Q970. Transistor Q970 turns on the internal LED of U970 placing phototransistor in a conducting state and low impedance to pins OVC and OVE. External push-pull driver sub-circuit PPG (FIG. 43) is shut down immediately by bringing pin PPEN high stopping the output stage. Sub-circuit OVP2 senses the output voltage and quickly feeds back to the push-pull PFC. Where excessive boost voltage forces the PFC to automatically reduce the boost voltage.

[0246]FIG. 42C is the schematic of the isolated output over voltage crowbar network sub-circuit OVP3. Sub-circuit OVP3 consists of resistors of R980, R981, R982, R983, R984 and R985, capacitors C980, C981 and C982 zener diode D980, SCRs SCR980 and SCR981, Darlington transistor Q980 and opto-isolator U980. Table Element Value/part number D980 1N5261BOTCT SCR980, SCR981 S601E (Teccor) U980 NEC2501 Q980 FZT705CT R980 160k ohms R981  10k ohms R982  22k ohms R983  51k ohms R984 1200 ohms R985  510 ohms C980  200 pf C981 1200 pf C982 1200 pf

[0247] The converter output is sensed at pin OUT+ reference to pin OUT−. Pin OUT+ is connected to resistor R982 and to the cathode of zener diode D980. The anode of D980 is connected to series resistor R980 then to base of Q980. Resistor R980 limits the base current to Q980. Resistor R981 is connected between the anode of D980 and return node OUT− to provide a diode leakage current path. Anode of light emitting diode U980 is connected through resistor R982 then to OUT+. The cathode of U980 LED is connected to Q980 collector. Emitter of Q980 is connected to return node OUT−. Zener diode D960 sets the maximum or trip voltage before transistor Q980 is biased on providing current to U980 LED. Application of voltage greater than the zener voltage of D980 injects a small base current into Q980. Emitter of opto-isolator U980 is connected to the gate of SCR981 and through [R984∥C982] to return node BR−. Transistor Q980 turns on the internal LED of U980 placing phototransistor in a conducting state and supplying gate current to SRC SCR981 from the external 18-volt source connected to pin CP18V+. Network [R984∥C982] prevents false triggering of SCR SCR981. The cathode of SCR SCR981 is connected to the gate of SCR SCR980 and through [R985∥C981] to return BR−. With SCR SCR981 turned on gate current is provided to low voltage SCR SCR980. High voltage boost output is connected to pin PF+ resistor R983 supplies hold current to SCR SCR981 holding SCR SCR980 on. SCR SCR980 is selected for low hold current and ability to block the maximum boost voltage on PF+. SCR SRC980 anode is connected to pin CP18V+. SCR SRC980 cathode is connected to return pin BR−. SCR980 clamps the low voltage supply CP (FIG. 26) or CPA (FIG. 27). With the low supply held down the gate drive to the main switch is disabled turning off the converter. With the main switch Q1 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) turned off holdup capacitor C17 charges to applied AC line peak. With pin PF+ held near line peak SCRs SCR981 will hold SCR SCR981 on until AC line power is removed to the converter. Sub-circuit OVP3 senses the out of specification output voltage and quickly stop the converter thereby protecting the load and converter with out generating destructive currents like OVP (FIG. 42).

[0248]FIG. 43 Push-pull oscillator sub-circuit PPG. Sub-circuit PPG is the push-pull oscillator sub-circuit of the invention. The current implementation uses a Motorola MC33025 pulse width modulator IC to generate the clock signals to drive the push-pull output stage. Sub-circuit PPG consists of U14 a two-phase oscillator, resistors R126, R130, R131, R132, R133, R134, R135, R136 and R137, capacitors C143, C136, C139, C140, C141 and C142. Table Element Value/part number U14 MC33025 R126  12k ohms R130  10 ohms R131  10 ohms R132  47k ohms R133  10k ohms R134 100k ohms R135  15k ohms R136 1.5 MEG ohms R137  15k ohms R138  10K ohms C136  0.22 uf C139  0.22 uf C140  0.22 uf C141  0.01 uf C142 0.001 uf C143  .33 uf

[0249] The current implementation uses a Motorola® MC33025 pulse width modulator IC to generate the clock signals to drive the push-pull stage. But, any non-overlapping two phase fixed frequency generator could be used. Pin 1 of U14 is connected to [capacitor C143∥Resistor R132] then to pin 3. Resistor R134 connects the internal 5.1-volt reference output of U14 pin 16 to pin 1. Resistors R135 in series with R137 from 5.1-volt reference to return node PPG0 form a voltage divider; the center is connected to U14 pin 2 placing pin 2 at 2.55-volts. Resistor R126 is connected from U14 pin 5 to return node PPG0. Resistor R133 is connected from U14 pin 1 to return node PPG0. Timing capacitor C142 is connected from U14 pins 6 and 7 to return node PPG0. Resistor R126 and capacitor C142 set the operating frequency of the internal oscillator. Timing resistor could be replaced with a JFET, MOSFET, transistor, or similar switching device to provide variable frequency operation. The drain of the transistor would be connected to pin 5. The source would be connected to return node PPG0. The variable frequency command voltage/current is applied between gate and source. Capacitor C141 is connected from U14 pin 8 to return node PPG0. Capacitor C136 is connected from U14 pin 16 to return node PPG0. Capacitor C140 is connected from U14 pin 15 to return node PPG0. Capacitor C139 is connected from U14 pin 13 to return node PPG0. Resistor R136 is connected from U14 pin 9 to return node PPG0. U14 pins 10 and 12 is connected to return node PPG0. External power is connected to node/pin PPG+ to PWM (pulse width modulator) IC U14 on pin 15 through resistor R130 connected to the 18-volt control supply. Resistor R131 connected to pin 13 of U14 and PPG+ provides power to the totem-poll output stage. The power return line is connected to node PPG0. IC U14 is designed to operate at a constant frequency of approximately 20-600 Khz with a fixed duty cycle of 35-49.9%. Resistors R135, R137, R133 configure U14 to operate at maximum pulse width. A two-phase non-over lapping square wave is generated on pins 11 node PH2 and pin 14 node PH1 and delivered to speed-up buffers AMP described in FIG. 29. The two-phase generator is configured to prevent the issue of overlapping drive signals that would null the core bias and present excessive current to the switches. Sub-circuit PPG provides the drive to the push-pull switches making efficient use of the NSME.

[0250]FIG. 44 inrush limiter sub-circuit SS1. Sub-circuit SS1 consists of diodes D447, resistors R441, R442, R443, R444, R445 and R446, transistor Q446 and capacitors C449, C442, and C448. Table Element Value/part number D447 1N5246 R441, R442 300K Ohm R443-445  100 Ohm C448 0.33 uF C442  330 uF 450 V C449  0.1 uF R446 4.7 MEG Ohm

[0251] Node PF+ connects to the positive input of storage capacitor C442 and to series resistors R441+R442. Series resistors R441 and R442 may be replaced with a single element. Series resistors R441 and R442 in parallel with provide a safety discharge path for C442. Drain of transistor Q446 is connected to the negative terminal of C442 and R442. Source of Q446 is connected to return node BR−. Resistors [R443∥R445] are connected in parallel with Q446 source and drain terminals. Resistors R443, R444 and R445 may be replaced with a single element. Resistor R446 connects to the rectified line voltage node BR+ and to gate of Q446. Cathode of Zener diode D447 is connected the gate of Q446. Anode of Zener diode D447 is connected to source of Q446. Diode D447 limits the maximum gate voltage to approx. 16 volts. Parallel capacitors C448 and C449 are connected in parallel to D447. Resistor R446 and capacitors [C448∥C449] provide a time delay of (0.05 to 0.2 sec) at power up. This delay range is offered by way of example and not limitation. At power up transistor Q446 is in a high impedance state. Thus capacitor C442 charging current is limited by [R443∥R444∥R445]. Referring to Interval 441 oscillograph G44 (FIG. 44A) is the period when transistor is not conducting thus [R443∥R444∥R445] provides the charging path thus limiting inrush current. Greatly reducing stress on the line filter and rectifier components during power up. The exponential decrease in inrush current is observed during interval 441. Soft start-interval 444 (FIG. 44A) of oscillograph GPF+ is also marked with greater AC ripple voltage due to the series resistance. As capacitors [C448∥C449] charges through R446 the gate voltage of Q446 increases turning “ON” Q446. Transistor Q446 turns on during interval 442 (FIG. 44A). This action is marked by an increase in charging current 446 and a reduction in AC ripple during interval 445. Similarly an exponential decrease in charging current is observed during 442 as C442 charges. Transistor Q446 is held in the conducting state until power is removed from the converter. During interval 447 the boost converter begins operation. Additional inrush limiting is provided by sub-circuit PWM (FIG. 33) smoothly bringing up the output voltage during interval 448. Shown by the increase in line current to full load during 443. The instant invention provides settable inrush limiting intervals with simple resistor/capacitor value selection. Thus complementing the additional novel soft start boost circuit SS1. While maintaining high power factor during the start up interval. The graceful start up greatly reduces stress in the external fusing and components in the high current path. Enhancing MBTF with a minimal addition of components. This instant invention also permits “HOT” plugging multiple units in parallel for higher power and or redundancy. The inrush limiter SS1 briefly isolates the storage capacitor from the main DC bus. In this way “hot swapping” does no create a large disturbance on the AC or main external DC BUS. The unique master less load sharing method taught in FIG. 4A allows any number of units to be connected in parallel for high power and reliability.

[0252]FIG. 44A is an oscillograph of line current and output voltage during operation of sub-circuit SS1 (FIG. 44).

[0253]FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of the fast start sub-circuit FS1. Fast-start Sub-circuit FS1 consists of diodes D452 and D451, resistors R451, R452, R453, R454, R455 and R456, transistors Q450 and Q451, and capacitors C452, C453, and C451. Table Element Value/part number D451 Rlz5.1 ZENER 5.1 v D452 Rlz24 ZENER 24 v R451   1 MEG Ohm R452-453, 2.2 MEG Ohm R454 R455  4.3K Ohm R456  499K Ohm C453 0.01 uF C451  4.7 uF C452  1.0 uF Q450 FMMT2222 Q451 STD3NC80

[0254] Resistor R451 connects node VCC to the base of transistor Q450, then to resistor R454 in parallel with capacitor C451 to ground or BR−. Anodes of zener diodes D451 and D452 are connected to ground. Cathode of zener diode D451 is connected to emitter of Q450. Cathode of zener diode D452 is connected to collector of Q450, gate of Q451 and through resistors R452+R453 to node PF+. Resistor R455 connects from PF+ to drain of Q451. Resistor R456 connects from BR− (ground) to source of Q451 forming node TP15 and through capacitor C452 to the gate of Q451. Capacitor C453 is connected between nodes TP17 and TP45. With application of AC power node PF+ voltage increases rapidly. Transistor Q450 is not in a conducting state as VCC is zero (no boost). Resistors R452+R453 charge C452 forward biasing Q451. Oscillograph G45 (FIG. 45A) is plot of the source gate voltage of Q451. During interval G451, transistor Q451 conducts providing power to VCC though R455 from PF+. Interval G452 of oscillograph GVCC shows the rapid rise of VCC. Thus full power is immediately available to the main switch Q1 switch buffer AMP (FIG. 29) and to the power factor controller PFA, PFB or PFB1. With VCC at or above 12.6V the boost converter gradually starts operation. This is seen by the small AC voltage present on TP45 during interval G454 (FIG. 45A). Transistor Q451 continues to provide power to VCC while the boost operation ramps up during the soft-start interval G455. Once the soft-start phase is completed, rectified AC via D261 and D260 provides power to VCC. Capacitor C453 couples HF boost energy to quickly charge C451. R451 provides continuous bias current to C451 to prevent the activation of Q451 when VCC is above 5 volts. Forward biasing Q450 reduces the gate voltage on Q451. After interval G456 transistor Q451 gate to source is reverse biased turning off the fast-start. In the event of an over voltage condition from a high line condition or sudden load removal, boost activity will stop removing the AC voltage on TP45. Removal of this base drive reduces current in the collector circuit of Q450, thus allowing Q451 to become forward biased if VCC falls below 5 volts. Power will be provided to VCC any time C451 falls below 5 volts. This novel circuit provides a unique method to quickly provide control power before boost operation begins and maintain control power during extended over voltage or no load periods. Thus insuring rapid reliable start up and recovery under a full range of load and fault conditions.

[0255]FIG. 45A is an oscillograph of sub-circuit FS1 during operation of sub-circuit SS1 (FIG. 45).

[0256]FIG. 46. Transient protection Sub-circuit TRN consists of diodes D460-D462, Bridge rectifier 461 and capacitors C260, C262 and C2. Table Element value/part number D460-D462 S3M 3 amp/1000 v C260  330 ufd 450 V 461 Bridge 15 Amp/800 V C2  1.5 ufd 630 v C262  2.2 ufd 630 v

[0257] Line voltage AC plus a high voltage source HV1 are connected to the AC-voltage terminals of bridge rectifier 461. Bridge DC+ terminal connects to node BR+ and to Anodes of transient protection diodes D460-D462 and inductor L63 in parallel with capacitor C20. Inductor L63 and capacitor C20 do not substantially contribute to the action of the transient protection circuit and are only shown for completeness. Cathodes of D460-D462 are connected to Boost output and storage capacitors C2 and C260. Boost circuit operation is taught in FIGS. 18A, 30, 29, and 24. Three transient protection diodes are offered by way of example and not limitation. The number of devices is a function of the selected device forward current capacity and the expected peak currents. Capacitor C260 is a polarized electrolytic device and is offered by way of example and not limitation. A solid dielectric capacitor may be added in parallel to C260 lower the impedance and improve the high frequency performance. During normal operation transient protection diodes D460-D462 are reverse biased due to the action of the boost. With the application of a high voltage event HV1 of any polarity to the AC line, the rectified event appears on node BR+, also shown in oscillograph G463 (FIG. 46B). If the transient voltage exceeds the voltage at C2, D460-D462 are forward biased transferring the energy to storage capacitor C260. Common art transient methods shunt the energy into spark gaps or MOV type devices. These devices suffer from limited life cycles, excessive leakage currents or a catastrophic failure. With proper component selection very large transients may be absorbed with out exceeding device ratings. Thus insuring high reliability with minimal parts counts and cost. The instant invention is adaptable to other offline converters having a storage capacitor maintained (boosted) above the rectified peak line voltage. This topology will work with positive or negative reference converters.

[0258]FIG. 46A. Transient protection Sub-circuit TRNX consists of resistor R468, Bridge rectifier BR468 and capacitor C468. Table Element Value/part number R458 1 MEG ohm C468 220 ufd 450 V BR468 35 Amp/600 V

[0259] Line voltage AC plus a high voltage source HV1 are connected to the AC-voltage terminals of bridge rectifier BR468. Bridge output positive terminal connects to node BR+ and to resistor R486 in parallel with C468. Bridge output negative terminal connects to node BR− and to resistor R486 in parallel with C468. Sub-circuit TRNX may be connected in parallel with any AC or DC load requiring transient protection. With application of power to the bridge capacitor C468 charges to peak voltage. Resistor R468 bleeds off a small charge from C468. Once charging is complete only a small amount of power is dissipated by R468. During a transient event of the type depicted in graph G462 (FIG. 46B) transient energy will be directed into capacitor C468. Low internal impedance of C468 with the high forward current capability of BR468. Limits the magnitude of the transient, by directing the transient energy into C468. Generating a voltage oscillograph response G461. Additional capacitors may be added for higher voltages, currents and or lower impedance.

[0260]FIG. 46B is an oscillograph of the converter operation during a high voltage transient event. Oscillograph G461 is the output voltage PF+. Oscillograph G462 is the rectified AC line voltage BR+. Oscillograph G463 is the gate voltage to the main boost switch Q1.

[0261]FIG. 47 is a signal diagram of supply auto load leveling. To teach the invention FIG. 47 only shows the essential elements for clarity. Power supplied to 473 enters regulator stage 470. Regulator stage 470 may be any type such as series pass, variable reactance (AC) boost, buck and shunt. These are offered by way of example and not limitation. The regulator 470 only requires a control pin 479 that modulates the output N470 in proportion to the control signal. Power or load sensing element 471 provides an output signal 472 that is proportional to the power delivered by 470 to load 476. Load sensing element may be a hall effect sensor (Current), resistor with differential amplifier, watt sensor or current transformer. These are offered by way of example and not limitation. The requirement being that signal 472 is proportional to the power delivered. A simple inverting amplifier (not shown) may be required to level shift, buffer or invert signal 472 polarity for a specific sensor. By way of example VCC derived from the sampling the boost magnetic element PFTLA (FIG. 4A) via CP1 (FIG. 26A) provides such a signal. Signal 472 (VCC) varies as a function of load as shown in FIG. 26B. Load leveling is achieved with the addition of resistor R476 connected between nodes 472 and 477. Resistor R345 in FIG. 4A is the corresponding component in the converter ACDCPF1. Power signal 472 is converted into a current through R476 and injected into summing junction 477. Summing junction 477 accepts current from R473 proportional to the converter temperature from sensor T473. In this way converter load sharing is based on power and or temperature. Simple resistor ratios program load-sharing rates while maintaining converter regulation. Resistor R479 develops a voltage proportional to the summing currents and applies it to the inverting terminal of comparator 478. Reference voltage V470 is applied to non-inverting input of comparator 478. The comparator generates command signal 479 to modulate the regulator 470. The action of the comparator is to maintain a minimal voltage difference between comparator input terminals. External power source(s) 475 and 475N connect to output node N474 and to common load 476. This configuration allows many converters to be connected in parallel. Signal 472 (VCC) varies as a function of load as shown in FIG. 26B. Load leveling is achieved with the addition of resistor R476 connected between nodes 472 and 477. Thus regulating the output voltage lower as the load increases. This unique action allows N units to be operated in parallel with out the typical master slave connections and circuitry. In this way the lightly loaded converters increase output voltage thus accepting more load. Like wise the heavy loaded converters will reduce voltage, automatically shedding load to other converters or sources. In this way any number of converters may be connected in parallel for high power or redundant applications. In common art master/slave configurations, loss of the master unit is catastrophic. In the instant invention failure or removal of a unit(s) causes the remaining units to increase output to absorb the additional load. Optional temperature sensor T473 allows load sharing as a function of supply temperature in addition to load. Thus minimizing thermal gradients among multiple units. This auto load leveling method is adaptable to AC or DC sources. Component selection sets nominal operating voltages, and rates of load sharing. This method allows dynamic load sharing with out the typical master slave connections, costs, and reduced reliability. This method permits mixing of power supply types i.e. auto load sharing and only requiring their output voltages to be substantially equal. Thus providing excellent regulation, simple setup and configuration, “hot swap” capability automatic recovery from fault conditions.

[0262]FIG. 47A is an alternate signal diagram of supply auto load leveling. To teach the invention FIG. 47A only shows the essential elements for clarity. Power supplied to 473 enters the regulator stage 470. Regulator stage 471 may be any type such as series pass, variable reactance (AC), boost, buck and shunt. These are offered by way of example and not limitation. The regulator 470 only requires a control pin 479 that modulates the output N470 in proportion to the control signal. Power or load sensing element 471 provides an output signal 472 that is proportional to the power delivered by 470 to load 476. Load sensing element may be a hall effect sensor (Current), resistor with differential amplifier, watt sensor or current transformer and are offered by way offered example and not limitation. The requirement being that signal 472 is proportional to the power delivered. A simple inverting A470 amplifier may be required to level shift, buffer or invert signal 472 polarity for a specific sensor. By way of example VCC derived from the sampling the boost magnetic element PFT1A (FIG. 4A) via CP1 (FIG. 26A) provides such a signal. Signal 472 (VCC) varies as a function of load as shown in FIG. 26B. Amplifier A470, resistor R478 and R475 provides signal inversion to correct the signal polarity. Automatic load leveling is achieved with the addition of resistor R476 connected between nodes output of A470 and 477. Resistor R345 in FIG. 4A is the corresponding component in the converter ACDCPF1. Power signal 472 is converted into a current through R476 and injected into reference junction N476. Reference voltage V470 through R470 to non-inverting input of comparator 478. Thus effectively modulating the reference voltage to reduce the converter output voltage with higher powers. Summing junction 477 accepts current from R475 proportional to the converter output N474. Thus enabling converter load sharing based on power. Simple resistor ratios program load-sharing rates and output voltages while maintaining converter regulation. Resistor R479 develops a voltage proportional to the summing currents and is applied to the inverting terminal of comparator 478. The comparator generates command signal 479 to modulate the regulator 470. The action of the comparator is to maintain a minimal voltage difference between comparator input terminals. Additional external power source(s) 475 and 475N connect to output node N474 and turn to common load 476. This configuration allows many converters to be connected in parallel. Thus regulating the output voltage lower as the load increases. This unique action allows N units to be operated in parallel with out the typical master slave connections and circuits. In this way the lightly loaded converters increase output voltage thus accepting more load. Like wise the heavy loaded converters will reduce voltage, automatically shedding load to other converters or sources. In this way any number of converters may be connected in parallel for high power or redundant applications. In common art master/slave configurations, loss of the master unit is catastrophic. In the instant invention failure or removal of a unit(s) causes the remaining units to increase output to absorb the additional load. This auto load leveling method is adaptable to AC or DC sources. Component selection sets nominal operating voltages, and rates of load sharing. This method allows dynamic load sharing with out the typical master slave connections, costs, and the reduced reliability. This method also permits mixing of power supply types i.e. auto load sharing and constant voltage types. Only requiring their stand alone output voltages to be substantially equal for a given load. This provides excellent regulation, simple setup and configuration, “hot swap” capability automatic recovery from fault Conditions.

[0263]FIG. 48 is an isometric view of the ITMS (integrated thermal management system). The ITMS 4800 consists of a thermally conductive block 4900 with a plurality of slots 4901 for semiconductor devices; 4810, 4811 and 4812 along with a plurality of recesses 4904 and 4905 for accepting magnetic elements 4806 and 4807. The thermally conductive block 4900 in the preferred embodiment is die-cast from Aluminum alloys. This is offered by way of example and not limitation, as other materials with similar thermal and mechanical properties could be used. The wire of the magnetic elements 4806 and 4807 are terminated with high-current terminals 5000 (as taught in FIG. 50) inserted into the alignment header 5200 (Detailed in FIG. 52). Magnetic elements 4806 and 4807 are mechanically mounted and thermally bonded to 4900 with thermally conductive materials. Sylgard #170 made by Dow Corning of Midland, Mich., USA is used in the preferred embodiment by way of example and not limitation. Semiconductor device 4811 located in recess 4901 is held in thermal contact to 4900 with novel thermal compression spring clip 5300 (FIG. 53). The number of semiconductors shown is by way of example and not limitation as additional devices may be added for multiple outputs. Additional semiconductor devices may be attached with novel thermal compression clamp 5400 (FIG. 54) to 4900 or walls of thermally conductive case not shown. The ITMS has a number of rugged compact system benefits. One of these benefits is low thermal resistance for semiconductors and the magnetic elements 4806 and 4807 into the thermally conductive block 4900. Another benefit is the short connection length between semiconductors and magnetic elements, thus further reducing copper losses and leakage inductance in the PCB (not shown). Additionally, the thermally conductive block 4900 provides EMI shielding for the magnetic elements. Current electrolytic capactior art, life is limited to a few thousand hours at temperatures near 100 C. Cooling filter capacitors with the ITMS further enhances product life.

[0264]FIG. 49 is the thermally conductive block 4900 with a plurality of slots 4901, and 4902 for semiconductor devices (not shown), a plurality of recesses 4904 and 4905 for accepting magnetic elements 4806 and 4807, and a plurality of recesses 4906 for accepting capacitors. The thermally conductive block 4900 may be cast, molded or machined. The preferred embodiment of 4900 is die-cast from Aluminum alloys or other thermally conductive materials. This is offered by way of example and not limitation, as other materials with similar thermal and mechanical properties could be used. Another alternate embodiment 4900 is molded with the components from a conductive epoxy material such as Ryton PPS made by Phillips Chemical, of Bantleville, Okla. USA eliminating the additional conductive resin resulting in a more reliable monolithic block. Magnetic elements 4806 and 4807 are mechanically mounted and thermally bonded to 4900 with thermally conductive materials. Semiconductor devices are held in thermal contact with the thermally conductive block 4900 using clip 5300. The number of devices to be mounted is by way of example and not limitation as the system may be made larger to accommodate additional parts for multiple outputs.

[0265]FIG. 50 is a detailed view of the high performance, multiple pin, and high-current terminals. The high-current terminal 5000 consists of a conductive body 5001 with a pair of tabs 5003 and plurality of lead pairs 5002. Tabs 5003 are formed upward at least 90-degree angles to the body 5001. External conductors (not shown) are held between the body 5001 and the tab 5003 by crimping tab 5003 and the application of solder. Pins 5002 are formed downward at 90-degree angles to the body 5001. Pins 5002 are inserted into an alignment header (Example: FIG. 52, part number 5200) for subsequent alignment into main PWB (not shown). Tapered surface 5005 guides the lead into the receiving frame 5201 holes. The number of lead pairs 5002 is proportional to the expected current. In the preferred embodiment (FIG. 50) has four pairs for 40+ ampere service. This is offered by way of example and not limitation. The high-current terminal provides a small profile, positive location and low-resistance connection.

[0266]FIG. 51 is another example of how a metal cup 5101 and thermally conductive material is used to remove heat from a magnetic element 5102. It also shows how high-current terminals 5000 are inserted into an alignment header 5103 and how the wires 5104 coming off the boost inductor are terminated. The alignment header permits pre-testing of the assembly and aids in ease of component installation during manufacturing. It also allows for an overall low profile of the unit.

[0267]FIG. 52 is the top view of the alignment header 5200. The current embodiment is machined from a glass-epoxy PWB material. The preferred embodiment is molded out of a non-conductive, high-strength material. This material is offered by way of example and not limitation. High-current terminals 5000 (not shown) are inserted into receiving holes 5201. The alignment header 5200 offers a convenient way to hold high-current terminals in alignment for final assembly onto the integrated thermal management system 4900 (FIG. 49).

[0268]FIG. 53 is a detailed view of thermal compression spring clip 5300. The thermal compression spring clip 5300 is fabricated from a strip of beryllium copper using a simple progressive stamping process. This material and fabrication method is offered by way of example and not limitation. Flat surface 5301 of the thermal compression spring clip 5300 presses against semiconductor body 4811 as shown in FIG. 48, clip 5300. Curved surface 5302 forms a spring providing the compression force to hold the semiconductor firmly against 4900 (FIG. 49). The spring 5300 also transfers heat to the opposite surface of the slot 4901 (FIG. 49). In this way heat is removed from both surfaces of the semiconductor. The spring also incorporates a taper at edge 5303 allowing insertion in the space between semiconductor body 4811 and thermal block 4900 without special tools. Tab 5304 provides both a surface for insertion as well as a positive mechanical stop. The novel thermal compression spring clip allows for quick assembly and replacement of semiconductors. It also maintains a high clamping force without fasteners, as described in prior art, that resists vibration over a wide temperature range.

[0269]FIG. 54 is a detailed view of the thermal compression clamp 5400. The thermal compression clamp 5400 is used to secure semiconductor component 5401 to substrate 5408. The thermal compression clamp 5400 is fabricated from a strip of stainless steel in the preferred embodiment using a simple progressive stamping process. This material and fabrication method is offered by way of example and not limitation. The semiconductor body 5401 is held securely against the flat surface of the heat sink using the thermal compression clamp 5400. Flat surface 5402 are held under pressure against the heat sink using a fastener 5407 through hole 5403. Curved section 5404 forms a spring providing the compression force to hold the semiconductor firmly in place. Section 5406 is curved upward to simplify insertion of the semiconductor 5401 during manufacturing. The spring 5400 also transfers heat from the opposite surface of the semiconductor body. In this way heat is removed from two surfaces of the semiconductor. This novel thermal compression spring clip allows for quick assembly and the replacement of semiconductors with out tools.

[0270]FIG. 57 is the schematic of the preferred inter-stage inrush limit sub-circuit ISIR. Sub-circuit ISIR consists of resistors R5701, R5703, R5704, R5707, R5706, R5711, R5714, R5715, R5716, R5717, R5718, R5719, R5720, R5721, R5722, R5723, R5724, R5725 and R5726, Opto-isolator U5710, amplifiers U5712 and U5713, capacitors C5705, C5707 and C5708 diode D5706 transistors Q5700, Q5702, Q5708, Q5709 and thermal switch TS5728. Table Element Value/part number C5705 0.4 uf 35 v C5707 1000 pf 100 v C5708  220 pf 100 v D5706 Zener 24 v/500 mw Q5700 APT5020BVR Q5702 2n2222 Q5708 FTZ851 Q5709 2n2222 R5701  1.0k ohm R5703  22.0k ohm R5704 340.0k ohm R5707  0.05 ohms R5706    10 ohms R5711   2.0 ohm R5714  1.5k ohm R5715  10.0k ohm R5716  10.0k ohms R5717  22.1k ohms R5718  10.0k ohms R5719   402k ohm R5720  1.33k ohm R5721  69.8k ohms R5722  10.0k ohms R5723  10.0k ohms R5724  100k ohm R5725  34.0k ohm R5726  10.0k ohms U5710 NEC2501 U5712, U5713 MC34072 TS5728 67F105 (105C)

[0271] The output of the previous PFC stage at pin PF+ is connected to drain of Q5700. Output and common node PPIN connects to capacitors C5707, C5708 and C5725, resistors R5704, R5722 and R5718, pin 4 of amplifiers U5712 and U5713, emitters of transistors Q5708, Q5709 and U5710. Current sample from node formed by source of Q5700 second side of R5707 and C5705 connects through series resistor R5723 to pin 3 of amplifier U5713 and second side C5708. Second side of R5722 connects to pin 2 of amplifier U5713 and through series resistor R5721 to pin 7 of amplifier U5713. First side of series resistor R5719, in parallel with series resistor R5720 and diode D5706. Second side of R5719 connects to U5712 pin6, second side of C5707. Second side of R5718 connects to pin 5 of amplifier U5712 and second side of R5725 and R5715. Power node VCC2 connects second side of resistors R5724, R5714 and R5725 and pin 8 of amplifiers U5712 and U5713. Amplifier output U5712 pin 7 connects to first side of R5715 through series resistor R5717 to base of transistor Q5709. Transistor collector Q5709 connects to first side of R5714 and to base of transistor Q5708. Transistor collector Q5708 connects through series resistor R5711 to second sides of C5705 and R5704 through series resistor R5706 and to gate of transistor Q5700. Opto-isolator transistor collector U5710 connects to second side of R5716. External remote enable REN connects through series thermal switch TS5728 through series resistor R5703 to base of transistor Q5703 and through series resistor R5726 to VCC3. Transistor collector Q5702 connects through series LED U5710 and through series resistor R5701 to power node VCC3. Voltage drop developed across current sense resistor R5707 is amplified by U5713. Output of amplifier U5713 is applied to damped peak detector formed by diode D5706, resistor R5719, and capacitor C5707. Trigger level and hysterisis of comparator U5712 is set by the ratios of R5725, R5718 and R5715. In this way the over current trip level may be set to any value. Amplifier U5712 output is buffered by transistors Q5709 and Q5708 to turn off FET Q5700. With application of AC power to the bias supply CP3 (FIG. 65) node VCC2 is set to 15-volts relative to PPIN. Capacitor C5705 and Q5700 gate charges slowly through time delay resistors R5704 to the VCC2 voltage. As low ON resistance transistor Q5700 turns on it passes though its linear region. Thus providing a short controlled application of power to the output stage. By applying power in a controlled way stress to components in the output stages is reduced thereby enhancing reliability. The over-current fold back provides additional protection to main switch transistors Q1, Q6 and Q9 from excessive loads. Normally closed thermal switch TS5728 is in contact with main switch transistor Q1. In the event of temperature greater than 105C TS5728 opens, base current to Q5702 is provided by R5726 causing switch Q5700 to open. When switch temperature returns to operational range TS5728 will close, applying power to the output stage.

[0272]FIG. 58 is the schematic of the preferred embodiment of the output controller sub-circuit OUTC. Sub-circuit OUTC consists of resistors of R5801, R5802, R5803, R5804, R5805, R5806, R5807 and R5808, capacitors C5709, C5810, C5811, C5812 C5813, FET transistor Q5814, opto-isolator U5816 and control element U5800. Table Element Value/part number U5800 LTC4562 R5801  383K ohm R5802  5.6k ohm R5803  750k ohm R5804 34.0k ohm R5805 0.002 ohm R5806  2.8k ohms R5807 1.0 MEG ohms R5808  10.0 ohm C5809  0.01 uf/50 v C5810  2.2 uf/50 v C5811  0.22 uf/50 v C5812 0.018 uf/50 v C5813  0.33 uf/50 v Q5814 0.008 ohm 80 V Nch FET R5815 7.15K ohm U5816 PS 2701 opto

[0273] The output (FIG. 25) of the main rectifier/filter stage OUTA at pin OUT+ is connected through resistor R5802 to pin 1 of U5800, second side capacitor C5813 and anode of D5815. Node OUT+ is also connected through resistor R5801 to pin 8 of U5800 then through resistor R5803 to pin 9 of U5800 then through resistor R5804 to return node OUT−. Common node OUT− connects to C5813, R5804, C5809, C5810, C5811, C5812, R5805 and pin 5 of U5800. Second side capacitor C5810 is connected to U5800 pin 10. Second side capacitor C5811 is connected to U5800 pin 3. Second side capacitor C5809 is connected to U5800 pin 9. Second side capacitor C5812 is connected through series resistor R5808 to gate of Q5814 and U5800 pin 6. Drain of Q5814 connects to U5816 emitter, output node OUTS−, through series resistor R5807 to U5800 pin 7. Collector of Q5816 connects to output node POK through series resistor R5815 to power VCC3. Source of Q5814 connects to U5800 pin 4 and through series sense resistor R5805 to OUT−. Output status node U5800 pin 2 connects through series resistor R5806 and to cathode of LED D5815. Controller element U5800 turns off gate drive to transistor Q5814 for over/under voltage and over current conditions and asserts pin 2 low. Resistors R5801, R5803 and R5804 program the over/under voltage set points. Resistor R5805 programs the over current set point at 50-millvolts equals max current. Output controller U5800 made by Linear Technology, Milpitas Calif. or its equivalent is offered by way of example and not limitation. Output controller OUTC protects the load from over and under voltage and the converter from over current conditions.

[0274]FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram of the preferred AC inrush limiter sub-circuit ACIR of the invention. The AC inrush limiter sub-circuit ACIR is comprised of transistor Q5900, capacitor C5901, resistors R5902, R5903, thermistor T5904, relay K5905 and diode D5906. Table Element Value/part number Q5900 Nch FET NDS355A C5901 10 ufd/35 v R5902 66.5k ohms R5903 33.7k ohms T5904 SL22 100008 K5905 ALZF22 Single pole D5906 90 v/0.4 Amp

[0275] Node L2 is connected to external AC line then to normally open contact of relay K5905 and to the first terminal of thermistor T5904. AC output Node L1 is connected the second normally open contact of relay K5905 and to the second terminal of thermistor T5904. Anode of D5906 connected to drain of Q5900 and the coil of relay K5905. The cathode of D5906 is connected 15-volt bias supply node VCC, R5902 and the second side of relay coil K5905. Second side of R5902 connects to gate of Q5900 and resistor R5903 and capacitor C5901. Return node BR− connects to the drain terminal of Q5900, second side of resistor R5903 and capacitor C5901. Application of power to VCC node charges gate of Q5900 through resistor R5902 turning on Q5900 energizing relay K5905. Resistors R5903, R5902 and capacitor C5901 values determine the time delay. This simple circuit reduces stress on external fuses and AC front-end components during turn on.

[0276]FIG. 60 is the schematic of the preferred embodiment of the sub-circuit ACOKC. Sub-circuit ACOKC consists of resistors R6000, R6001, R6002, R6003, R6004, R6005, R6006, R6007, R6008, R6009, R6010, R6011, R6012 and R6013 diodes BR6019, D60016 and D6019, capacitors C6014 and C6015 comparators U6017B and U6018A. Table Element Value/part number BR6019 Bridge Rectifier 600 V/100 ma U6017B, LM2903 U6018A R6000  174k ohm R6001  174K ohm R6002  200K ohm R6003 19.6k ohm R6004 20.0k ohm R6005 6.34k ohm R6006  475k ohms R6007 10.0k ohms R6008 1.10k ohm R6009  162K ohm R6010 10.0K ohm R6011 10.0k ohm R6012 39.2k ohm R6013 10.0k ohm C6014 0.33 uf/50 v C6015  0.1 uf/50 v D6016 RLS139 40 v 100 ma

[0277] AC line node LL5 connects through series resistor R6000 to pin 2 of bridge rectifier BR6019. AC line node LL6 connects through series resistor R6001 to pin 3 of bridge rectifier BR6019. Common node BR− connects to pin 4 of bridge rectifier BR6019, resistors R6004, R6003, R6009 and R6010 capacitors C6015 and C6014, pin 4 of comparators U6017B and U6018A. Rectified AC line from BR6019 pin 1 connects through series resistor R6002 to pin 5 of comparator U6017B and first side of R6006. Second side of R6006 connects to pin 7 of comparator U6017B and first side of R6007 and R6008. Second side of R6008 connects to series diode D6016 anode. Cathode of diode D6016 connects to pin 2 of comparator U6018A and second side of R6009 and C6015. Power node VCC1 connects second side of resistors R6005, R6007, R6011 and R6014 capacitor C6014 and pin 8 of comparators U6017B and U6018A. Amplifier U6018A pin 3 connects through series resistor R6012 to pin 1 of amplifier U6018A and first side of R6011 and R6013 to output node ACOK. Rectified AC line from BR6019 pin 1 is attenuated by resistors R6002 and R6003 and buffered by comparator U6017B. Output of comparator U6017B is applied to damped peak detector formed by diode D6016, resistor R6009, and capacitor C6015. Trigger level and hysterisis of comparator U6018A is set by the ratios of R6011, R6012 and R6010. In this way the minimum AC line voltage may be set to any value; in the preferred embodiment the level is set to 170 VAC for a valid ACOK signal. The ACOK signal is used to inhibit boost action to protect the converter and also to alert the user that a loss of power has occurred.

[0278]FIG. 61 is a schematic representation of the NSME PFT2 Sub-circuit transformer PFT2 consists of a primary winding 6100 around a NSME 6101 with a current sense winding 6102. Table Element Value/part number 6100 93 uh 6101 2 × 77932-A7 6102 1 turn

[0279] The primary winding 6100 has nodes P1B and P1A for connections to external AC source. Secondary 6102 winding has nodes S1H and S1L connections. Current sense winding 6102 are connected to feed back network of sub-circuit PFCB (FIG. 63). Magnetic element 6101 comprises the same non-saturating, low permeability magnetic material as taught in FIG. 15.

[0280]FIG. 62 is a schematic showing alternate line filter LFB. The filter sub-circuit LFB comprises capacitors C6201, C6202, C6204, C6205, C6206, C6209, inductors L6200, L6207, magnetic elements L6203, L6208, and diodes D20-D23. Table Element Value/part number L6200 5.2 mH common mode H 42507-TC core 18 T bifilar L6203 36 uH differential mode 15T 77930-A7 core L6207 5.2 mH common mode 42507-TC core 18 T bifilar L6208 500 uH 77930-A7 core C6201  0.1 Uf C6202, C6204 0.47 Uf C6205, C6206 4.7 nf Y-cap C6209 0.047 uF 500 v D20 1000 V/25 A D21 1000 v/25 A D22 1000 v/25 A D23 1000 v/25 A

[0281] The AC line is connected to nodes LL2 and LL1. Node LL2 connects through upper leg of inductor L6200 to first leg of capacitor C6201 then to capacitor C6202 then to upper leg of Bifilar wound inductor L6203. Node LL1 connects to second leg of capacitor C6201 then through lower leg of inductor L6200 to second leg of capacitor C6202 then to lower leg of Bifilar wound inductor L6203. From second lower leg of L6203 connects to second leg of capacitor C6204 and to first leg of y-cap C6206 then through lower leg of inductor L6207 to anode of diode D23 and cathode of diode D21. From second upper leg of L6203 connects to first leg of capacitor C6204 and to first leg of y-cap C6205 then through upper leg of inductor L6207 to anode of diode D20 and cathode of diode D20. Center legs of Y-caps C6205 and C6206 are connected to chassis return LL0. Anodes of diode D20 and D21 connect to form node BR−. Cathodes of diodes D22 and D23 connect to NSME L6208 in parallel with C6209 and node BR+. The other side of L6208 in parallel with C20 forms node B+. Common mode inductors L6200 and L6207 are constructed on a high permeability core material 42507-TC manufactured by Magnetics inc. Butler Pa. USA. This material is offered by way of example and not limitation. The instant invention takes advantage of the high permeability properties of the ferrite used in inductors L6203 and L6208. (see FIG. 15A), making full use of the core material over all four quadrants. Inductors L6200 and L6207 are effective in removing common mode EMI components. Both NSME L6203 and L6208 in parallel with C6209 effectively block differential mode noise generated by switch Q1. Inductor L6208 is operated in the first quadrant taking advantage of the unique non-saturating properties of the KoolMu material and is offered by way of example and not limitation. This embodiment is an improvement over sub-circuit LF (as taught in FIG. 20A) with its enhanced conducted noise attenuation performance. The instant invention makes optimal use of the ferrite type material in the AC side and the desirable NSME in the DC side to provide high performance filtering at a low cost.

[0282]FIG. 63 is the preferred power factor controller sub-circuit PFC for isolated converters. Sub-circuit PFC consists of components R6300, C6301, D6302, C6303, C6304, R6305, R6306, R6307, Q6308, D6309, R6310, R6311, C6312, and control element IC U6313. Element Table Value/part number R6300 30.1k/8.45 ohms 1% C6301 0.01 uf NPO D6302 90 v.4a low leakage C6303 0.33 uf C6304  .01 uf NPO R6305 931k ohms 1% R6306 931k ohms 1% R6307 100k VO trim Q6308 Mmbt2222 D6309 90 v.4a low leakage R6310 30.1k 1% R6311   10K C6312  .1 uf U6313 MC33260 (Motorola) or equivalent

[0283] Control element U6313 is an 8 pin bi-cmos controller. The pins function as follows:

[0284] Pin 1: The circuit uses an on-time control mode. This on-time is controlled by comparing the CT voltage to the V control voltage. CT is charged by the squared feedback current.

[0285] Pin 2: This pin is designed to receive a negative voltage signal proportional to the current flowing through the inductor. This information is generally built using a sense resistor. The Zero Current Detection prevents any restart as long as the pin 4 voltage is below (−60 mV).

[0286] Pin 3: This pin is designed to receive a synchronization signal. For instance, it enables to synchronize the PFC preconverter to the associated SMPS. If not used, this pin must be grounded.

[0287] Pin 4: This pin must be connected to the preregulator ground.

[0288] Pin 5: The gate drive current capability is suited to drive an IGBT or a power MOSFET.

[0289] Pin 6: This pin is the positive supply of the IC. The circuit turns on when VCC becomes higher than 11V, the operating range after start-up being 8.5V up to 16V.

[0290] Pin 7: This pin is designed to receive a current that is proportional to the preconverter output voltage. This information is used for both the regulation and the overvoltage and undervoltage protections. The current drawn by this pin is internally squared to be used as oscillator capacitor charge current.

[0291] Pin 8: This pin makes available the regulation block output. The capacitor connected between this pin and ground, adjusts the control bandwidth. It is typically set below 20 Hz to obtain a non-distorted input current.

[0292] Control element U6313 connects to a circuit with the following connections: from pin 7 to node/pin PF1 to capacitor C6304 in series with ground. Pin 7 is the input to an internal regulation block and connection to external feedback networks. This pin is designed to receive a current that is proportional to the preconverter output voltage PF+. (See FIGS. 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D and 64) Increasing the current on pin 7 decreases the pulse width of the PFCLK node pin 5. Node PFSC is not used with this controller. Bias power for the PFC controller is applied to node PFB+ and to U6313 pin 6. Output clock node PFCLK is connected to U6313 pin 5 to external buffer sub-circuit AMP (FIG. 29). PFVC is connected through R6300 to the anode of D6302 and pin 2 node of U6313. The cathode of D6302 is tied to pin 1 of U6313. C6301 is connected from U6313 pin 1 to ground. Pin 3 of U6313 tied to pin 4, which is the ground pin of U6313. Capacitor C6303 is connected from U6313 pin 8 to return node BR−. The addition of current from the sense winding of the boost inductor 6102 (FIG. 61) through D6302 to C6301 and pin 1 of U6313 creates a feed forward proportional current which improves power factor, efficiency, and EMI. When this current is summed with the current at pin 1, the resulting line load dynamic ramp on C6301 improves the pattern of modulation at pin 5 to better conform with the AC line across a wider range of line load conditions. This is true because the ramp at pin 1 controls the cycle-by-cycle pulse width behavior of the controller.

[0293]FIG. 64 is the preferred power factor controller used in the single stage power factor controller ACDCPF2 sub-circuit PFD for non-isolated converters. Sub-circuit PFD consists of components R6400, C6401, D6402, C6403, C6404, R6405, R6406, R6407, D6409, R6410, R6411, R6420, R6421, R6423, capacitors C6464, C6412, transistors Q6408, Q6415 and Q6422 and control element IC U6413. Element Table Value/part number R6400 30.1k/8.45 ohms 1% C6401 0.01 uf NPO D6402 90 v.4 a low leakage C6403 0.33 uf C6404  .01 uf NPO R6405  931k ohms 1% R6406  931k ohms 1% R6407  100k VO trim Q6408 Mmbt2222 D6409 90 v .4 a low leakage R6410 30.1k 1% R6411   10K C6412  .1 uf U6413 MC33260 (Motorola) or equivalent R6420 1 MEG ohm R6421  100K ohm Q6422 NDS355An N-CH FET R6423 23.1k ohm C6424 0.22 ufd 50 V Q6425 2n2222

[0294] The boost behavior of ACDCPF2 is the same as taught in ACDCPF1 (FIG. 63) with the addition of low line voltage detection circuitry that stops boost activity until line voltage returns to a preset minimum voltage. This is to protect the main switch Q1 from damage during line dips. Control element U6413 is an 8 pin bi-cmos controller. The pins function as follows:

[0295] Pin 1: The circuit uses an on-time control mode. This on-time is controlled by comparing the CT voltage to the V control voltage. CT is charged by the squared feedback current.

[0296] Pin 2: This pin is designed to receive a negative voltage signal proportional to the current flowing through the inductor. This information is generally built using a sense resistor. The Zero Current Detection prevents any restart as long as the pin 4 voltage is below (−60 mV).

[0297] Pin 3: This pin is designed to receive a synchronization signal. For instance, it enables to synchronize the PFC preconverter to the associated SMPS. If not used, this pin must be grounded.

[0298] Pin 4: This pin must be connected to the preregulator ground.

[0299] Pin 5: The gate drive current capability is suited to drive an IGBT or a power MOSFET.

[0300] Pin 6: This pin is the positive supply of the IC. The circuit turns on when VCC becomes higher than 11V, the operating range after start-up being 8.5V up to 16V.

[0301] Pin 7: This pin is designed to receive a current that is proportional to the preconverter output voltage. This information is used for both the regulation and the overvoltage and undervoltage protections. The current drawn by this pin is internally squared to be used as oscillator capacitor charge current.

[0302] Pin 8: This pin makes available the regulation block output. The capacitor connected between this pin and ground, adjusts the control bandwidth. It is typically set below 20 Hz to obtain a non-distorted input current.

[0303] Rectified AC line node BR+ connects through series resistor R6420 to gate of transistor Q6422 to first side of R6423 and first side of C6424. Power node VCC1 connects through series resistor R6421 to base of Q6425 and drain of Q6422. Common node BR− connects to emitter of Q6425, source of Q6422, second side of R6423 and second side of C6424. Open collector output node VCNT connects to collector of Q6425. When the node BR+ line reaches approximately 75-VDC, Q6422 turns on removing base current to Q6425. With transistor Q6425 off control node VCNT is allowed to float thus allowing normal boost regulation developed by PFC (FIG. 63). This novel circuit shuts down the boost regulator before it enters an unstable area of operation at low line voltages.

[0304]FIG. 65 Is a schematic drawing of the sub-circuit CP3. Sub-circuit CP3 consists of bias power supply module 6500. Table Element Value/part number 6500 +15, +5, −15 100 ma bias supply

[0305] Bias 6500 supply made by Bias Power Technology Inc. 414 Vermont Street Palatine, Ill. USA. Provides three regulated isolated outputs of +15-volts, +5-volts and −15-volts. AC line power is applied to terminals LL5 and LL6. Regulated isolated output nodes VCC1 and BR− supplies 15-volts. Regulated isolated output nodes VCC2 and PF+ supplies 15-volts. The use of isolated outputs allows N-ch FETs with lower on resistance in the inrush limit sub-circuit Isolated output nodes VCC3 and OUT− supplies 5-volts. Used for regulator circuits and output switch drive during normal operation.

[0306]FIG. 66 Alternate control power sub-circuit CP2 Sub-circuit CP2 consists of diodes D6633, D6637 and D6638, inductor L6636, resistors R6632 and R6635, transistor Q6631, and capacitors C6634, and C6631. Table Element Value/part number C6634,  100 ufd C6631 C6630 0.22 ufd D6633 Zener 18 V D6637-D6638 MURS120TS Q6631 FTZ605CT L6636 1 mh R6632 100K ohm R6635  10 ohm C504 220 uf

[0307] Node CT1A connects to anode of D6637 and to the upper external center tapped secondary winding. Node CT2A connects to anode of D6638 and to the lower external center tapped secondary winding. Node BR− connects to the external winding center tap. Node BR− is also the return line and it connects to Zener diode D6633 anode, and capacitors C6634 and C6631. The cathodes of diodes D6637 and D6638 are connected through series inductor L6636 and resistor R6635. The other side of resistor R6635 connects to collector Q6631, second side of C6634 and first side of R6632. Second side of Resistor R6632 is connected to capacitor C6630, base Q6631, cathode of diode D6633. Emitter of Q6631 is connected to second sides capacitors C6630 and C6631 and node PFA+. The zener diode voltage is selected at 18-Volts to begin regulation at high boost levels. Voltage limiting starts at levels near full load (maximum boost). This unique behavior has three benefits. First at greater levels of boost (load) additional gate voltage is automatically provided to the main switch Q1 when maximum gate power is required. Second automatically lowering gate voltage at minimal boost reduces the stress on the main switch Q1 gate and associated buffer components, thus enhancing MBTF and efficiency. Third the components are selected such that the limiting begins near maximum boost. In this way, power is not wasted at small load levels. Additionally the main switch Q1 gate voltage is modulated to provide additional power at maximum boost insuring maximum efficiency under varying load conditions.

[0308]FIG. 67 is a schematic diagram of a diode snubber sub-circuit SCIN of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SCIN is comprised of diode D6701. Table Element Value/part number D6701 SIC Schottky 600 v/1 A UPSC600

[0309] Pin SNL2 is connected to the anode of D6701 the cathode of D6701 is connected node SNOUT. Node SNL2 connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. The external fly-back rectifier diode D4 (FIGS. 56 and 55) anode is connected to node SNL2 node SNOUT connects flyback diode D4. External diode D4 in parallel with SCIN forms a hybrid diode. This hybrid diode begins rectification immediately after the main switch stops conduction and the non-saturating magnetic begins releasing its energy. This characteristic is due to SIC extremely high electron mobility of Saturated Electron Drift Velocity 2.0×10{circumflex over ( )}7 cm/sec (at E 2×10{circumflex over ( )}5 V/cm). The SIC diode has a greater forward voltage drop of Approx 1.3 volts than that of the fast recovery diode D4 at less than 1.1 volt. The UPSC600 made by Microsemi Corporation 2381 Morse Avenue Irvine, Calif. USA is used in the preferred embodiment. And is offered by way of example and not limitation as other similar devices are offered by this and other manufactures. The novel combination of a ‘slower’ diode D4 with low forward voltage drop in parallel with a high speed SIC diode ‘catches’ the fly-back energy missed buy the standard diode alone. The energy missed in the first 30-100 nsec by D4 is recovered by the SIC diode resulting in a significant efficiency gain of approx 0.3%.

[0310]FIG. 68 is a schematic diagram of the preferred non-isolated boost output voltage feed back sub-circuit VFBI Sub-circuit FBD consists of Resistor R6801 and adjustable resistor R6802. Table Element Value/part number R6801 1.86 MEG ohms R6802 100k ohms

[0311] Input node PF+ connected to series resistor [R6801] then to wiper arm of R6802 and second side of R6802. First side of R6802 is connected to the feed back node PF1. Resistor values are selected for a nominal input voltage of 385-volts. Feedback output node PF1 is connected to node PF1 of sub-circuit PFC (FIG. 63) or PFD (FIG. 64). Component values are selected to provide a 15-volt adjustment range.

[0312]FIG. 69 Push-pull oscillator sub-circuit PPGA is the preferred push-pull oscillator sub-circuit of the invention. Sub-circuit PPGA consists of U6900 a two-phase oscillator, resistors R6902, R6901, and R6903, capacitors C6906, C6904 and C6905. Table Element Value/part number U6900 MC33025 R6902 12k ohms R6901 100k ohms R6903 1.5 MEG ohms C6906 0.22uf C6904 0.01uf C6905 0.001uf

[0313] The current implementation uses a Motorola MC33025 pulse width modulator IC to generate the clock signals to drive the push-pull stage. This is offered by way of example and not limitation, as any non-overlapping two phase fixed frequency generator may be used. Pin 1 of U6900 is tied to pin 3. The internal 5.1-volt reference output of U6900 pin 16 connects to capacitor C6906 and series resistor R6901 connects to U6900 pin 2. Resistor R6902 is connected from U6900 pin 5 to return node PPG0. Resistor R6903 is connected from U6900 pin 9 to return node PPG0. Timing capacitor C6905 is connected from U6900 pins 6 and 7 to return node PPG0. Resistor R6902 and capacitor C6905 set the operating frequency of the internal oscillator at approximately 90 Khz. Timing resistor R6902 could be replaced with a JFET, transistor, or digital resistor to provide variable frequency operation. Capacitor C6904 is connected from U6900 pin 8 to return node PPG0. Capacitor C6906 is connected from U6900 pin 16 to return node PPG0. Power input node PPG+ connects to U6900 pins 15 and 13. Return node PPG0 connects to U6900 pins 10 and 12. IC U6900 is configured to operate at a constant frequency of approximately 20-600 Khz with a fixed duty cycle of 35-49.9% with 49% being nominal. A two-phase non-over lapping square wave is generated on pins 11 node PH2 and pin 14 node PH1 and delivered to speed-up buffers AMP described in FIG. 29. The two-phase generator is configured to prevent the issue of overlapping drive signals that would null the core bias and present excessive current to the switches. Sub-circuit PPGA provides the drive to the push-pull switches making efficient use of the NSME.

[0314]FIG. 70 is a schematic diagram of the preffered push-pull converter snubber sub-circuit SNDD of the invention. The snubber sub-circuit SNDD is comprised of resistor R7001, diode D7002, and capacitor C7000. Table Element Value/part number C7000 5000pF R7001 750K ohm D7002 US1M

[0315] Node SNA3 connects through capacitor C7000 to cathode of diode D7002 in parellel with resistor R7001. Node SNAL connects to the anode D7002. SNAL connects to the drain terminal of the external output switch and to flyback side of the inductive load. The “snubbering”action slows the rise of the flyback giving time for the external rectifier diode(s) to begin conduction.

[0316] Although the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

We claim:
 1. A heat sink comprising: (FIGS. 48, 49, 50, 52, 53) a thermally conductive block having a generally rectangular shape; said block having a first cavity to receive a first magnetic element and a second cavity to receive a second magnetic element; said first cavity having a circular shape to receive a toroid-shaped magnetic element; said block having a cavity to accept a capacitor; said block having cavity to accept a semiconductor and a thermal compression spring clip; said magnetic element assembly having a plurality of connector terminals extending above a plane of the block; and said block having a connector plate to attach said connector terminals.
 2. (FIGS. 56, 64, 66, 68, 20A, 29, 67, 18A, 20A, 28). A single stage converter comprising: a power factor corrected flyback converter (PFCFC) having a feedback circuit connecting a boosted DC output to a power factor controller; said power factor corrected flyback converter further comprising a magnetic element operating in a non-saturated region (NSME); said PFCFC having a zero hold time silicon carbide diode in parallel with a high speed flyback diode; said AC input further comprising a line filter rectifier and a transient protection diode which feeds an input to the PFCFC; a control power sub-circuit having an input from an auxiliary winding of the NSME; said control power sub-circuit having an output to a thermal switch which functions to provide an over-temperature shutdown; said thermal switch having an output to a buffer circuit; said buffer circuit provides a low impedance gate drive to a main switch transistor of the PFCFC; and said PFCFC having a regulated DC output.
 3. The converter of claim 2, wherein said NSME further comprises a low permeability.
 4. The converter of claim 3, wherein the NSME further comprises a mixture of 85% by weight of iron, 6% by weight of aluminum, and 9% by weight of silicon, thereby providing a wide thermal operating range for the magnetic element.
 5. The converter of claim 2, wherein the low permeability has a range of one to 500 u.
 6. The converter of claim 4, wherein the NSME is an air magnetic element.
 7. The converter of claim 2, wherein the NSME further comprises a B-H curve characteristic ranging from B=1 to 10,000 gauss and H=1 to 100 oersteds.
 8. The converter of claim 2 further comprising a frequency modulating circuit to optimize an output signal from the NSME.
 9. The converter of claim 8, wherein said push pull converter further comprises a double-ended controller having a fixed pulse width.
 10. The converter of claim 8, wherein said push pull converter further comprises a double-ended controller having a variable frequency.
 11. The converter of claim 8, wherein said push pull converter further comprises a double ended controller having a duty cycle ranging from 40% to 60% of a fixed pulse width.
 12. The converter of claim 11, wherein the duty cycle is 50%.
 13. The converter of claim 8, wherein said push pull converter further comprises a double-ended controller having an optimizing circuit varying a relationship between pulse width and frequency.
 14. The converter of claim 2, wherein said duty cycle is a variable.
 15. The converter to claim 2, wherein said duty cycle is a constant.
 16. The converter of claim 2 further comprising a control circuit to monitor a bias of the NSME and controls a frequency and a pulse width for optimizing a NSME efficiency.
 17. The converter of claim 2, wherein the NSME is selected from the group consisting of: an air magnetic element; a molypermalloy powder(MPP) magnetic element; a high flux MPP magnetic element; a powder magnetic element; a gapped ferrite magnetic element; a tape wound magnetic element; a cut magnetic element; a laminated magnetic element; and an amorphous magnetic element.
 18. (FIGS. 55, 55A). A two stage converter comprising: a power factor corrected flyback converter (PFCFC) having a feedback circuit connecting a boosted DC output to a power factor controller; said power factor corrected flyback converter further comprising a magnetic element operating in a non-saturated region (NSME); said PFCFC having a zero hold time silicon carbide diode in parallel with a high speed flyback diode; said AC input further comprising a inrush limiter, line filter rectifier and a transient protection diode which feeds an input to the PFCFC; said buffer circuit provides a low impedance gate drive to a main switch transistor of the PFCFC; and said PFCFC having a regulated DC output to a inrush controller; said inrush controller sub-circuit having an input from a thermal switch which functions to provide an over-temperature shutdown; said inrush controller output to a push pull converter; said push pull converter having a controller which provides a duty cycle and frequency; said push pull converter having rectifier circuit; said power factor corrected flyback converter providing a variable DC signal to said push pull converter; said push pull converter further comprising a magnetic element operating in a non-saturating region(NSME). 